Multicast Distribution Tree Setup Using BGP-LS Capability Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multicast distribution tree establishment methods in networks face issues of poor flexibility, low scalability, and prone errors due to manual participation in determining router capabilities for processing joining attributes, which are not timely responsive to network topology or router capability changes.
Innovation Solution
Utilize a unicast link state protocol to describe and announce processing capabilities of routers for joining attributes, employing Border Gateway Protocol-Link State (BGP-LS) to encode and distribute this information, enabling controllers and routers to dynamically calculate multicast distribution trees that meet specific requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calculation and filling of router capabilities is used, then processing capability information can be obtained, but flexibility and responsiveness to network changes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Routers automatically announce their own processing capability information for joining attributes through unicast link state protocol packets, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The system serves itself by having each router independently publish its capabilities, which are then automatically discovered and utilized by controllers for dynamic distribution tree establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through periodic announcements of processing capability information by routers. When network topology or router capabilities change, routers automatically update their capability information in subsequent link state protocol packets, providing real-time feedback to the network controller for dynamic recalculation of distribution trees.
2Reliability
If manual configuration of joining attributes is used, then router capabilities can be determined, but device complexity and error-proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each router automatically publishes its own processing capability information through standardized link state protocol packets, eliminating manual configuration entirely. The router independently determines and announces whether it supports processing joining attributes, reducing both complexity and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a universal link state protocol packet structure that can carry multiple types of routing information, including processing capability information for joining attributes. This multi-functional packet design eliminates the need for separate configuration mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable capability determination.
3Ease of operation
If single-hop multicast discovery messages are used, then local router capabilities can be discovered, but network-wide capability perception is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-hop link-layer discovery to network-layer unicast link state protocol propagation. By embedding capability information in link state packets that are flooded throughout the routing area, the system adds a network-wide dimension to capability discovery while maintaining the simplicity of automated detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges processing capability information with standard link state protocol packets used for routing. By combining capability announcement with existing routing information propagation mechanisms, the system achieves network-wide distribution of capability information without requiring separate discovery protocols, thus preventing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sending information, a method and apparatus for establishing a distribution tree, a device, and a storage medium are disclosed. The method for sending information may include: determining a processing capability of a present node for a joining attribute of a multicast joining message; and announcing information about the processing capability for the joining attribute of the multicast joining message to a network, where the information about the processing capability for the joining attribute of the multicast joining message is configured to indicate the processing capability of the present node for the joining attribute carried in the multicast joining message.