Multicast Standby Path Activation for Bandwidth Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing multicast traffic forwarding systems, network bandwidth is wasted because both the active and standby paths simultaneously forward multicast traffic, leading to inefficient use of resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a standby path is established without forwarding multicast traffic until a fault occurs in the active path, allowing the standby path to take over and avoid double network bandwidth occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the standby path simultaneously forwards multicast traffic with the active path, then network reliability is improved through path protection, but network bandwidth is wasted due to double bandwidth occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The standby path is established in advance with all routing entries and forwarding states pre-configured, but multicast traffic forwarding is disabled on the standby path until a fault occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures fast switchover while avoiding unnecessary bandwidth consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The forwarding state of the standby path is dynamically adjusted based on the health status of the active path. During normal operation, the standby path remains in a dormant state without forwarding traffic. When a fault is detected, the standby path dynamically activates to take over traffic forwarding, thus adapting the system behavior to current operational conditions.
2Loss of energy
If the standby path is established beforehand without forwarding traffic, then network bandwidth is saved, but path switchover speed may be affected when fault occurs
Solution Approach 1:
All necessary routing entries, forwarding states, and path configurations are pre-established on the standby path before any fault occurs. The standby path maintains complete forwarding capability in a dormant state, enabling instantaneous activation when needed without sacrificing switchover speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for forwarding multicast traffic. The method includes: receiving a third multicast join message; in response to the third multicast join message, sending a first multicast join message to a first upstream router, and establishing an active path; in response to the third multicast join message, sending a second multicast join message to a second upstream router, and establishing a standby path; and sending multicast traffic to the multicast receiver through the active path, where the standby path does not forward the multicast traffic. In the foregoing embodiments, the standby path that does not forward the multicast traffic is established beforehand, so that when a fault occurs in the active path, the standby path established beforehand can be used to forward the multicast traffic.