MultiNexthop BGP Attribute for Fabric Path LSP Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current routing protocols, such as BGP, are limited in advertising multiple next hops for network destinations and do not effectively convey forwarding semantics, which can lead to inefficient traffic routing and management in complex network topologies.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a new BGP attribute, MultiNexthop, allows for the advertisement of multiple next hops with associated forwarding semantics in a single routing protocol message, enabling better path selection and traffic management by specifying relationships between next hops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional BGP routing protocols are used to advertise next hops, then compatibility with existing infrastructure is maintained, but the ability to convey multiple next hops with forwarding semantics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing information by introducing a new BGP attribute structure that separates the advertisement of multiple next hops from the traditional single next hop field. Each next hop is represented as an independent object within the attribute, allowing multiple next hops to be advertised while maintaining the existing BGP message framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple next hop objects within a single BGP attribute container. The attribute structure contains an array of next hop objects, each with its own forwarding semantics, nested within the broader BGP routing message structure. This allows complex routing information to be conveyed within the existing protocol framework.
2Loss of information
If multiple separate routing messages are used to advertise different next hops, then each next hop can be described in detail, but the number of protocol messages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple next hop advertisements into a single BGP routing message by introducing a new attribute that contains an array of next hop objects. Each object includes forwarding semantics such as load balancing weights and failure priorities, allowing comprehensive routing information to be conveyed in one message rather than requiring multiple separate messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal BGP attribute structure that can accommodate multiple next hops with different forwarding semantics within a single message type. The attribute design allows for flexible representation of various routing scenarios (load balancing, failure recovery, path selection) without requiring different message formats for each scenario.
3Productivity
If a single next hop is advertised per routing entry, then the routing table is simpler to manage, but load balancing and fast rerouting capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic routing capabilities by allowing the advertisement of multiple next hops with associated forwarding semantics that can be adjusted in real-time. The routing information structure supports dynamic load balancing weights, failure priorities, and path selection criteria that can be modified without changing the fundamental routing table structure, enabling flexible traffic engineering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite routing information structure that combines multiple next hop objects with different forwarding semantics into a unified routing entry. This composite structure allows the routing system to select and utilize appropriate next hops based on current network conditions, traffic requirements, and failure states, providing both simplicity and advanced routing capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
In some examples, a method includes selecting, by a first virtual routing node of a single-chassis network device having a plurality of forwarding components and a plurality of fabric links coupling respective pairs of the plurality of forwarding components at respective fabric interfaces of the plurality of forwarding components, a fabric interface of a forwarding component of the plurality of forwarding components that has an egress interface toward a network destination and that is associated with the first virtual routing node; advertising, to the second virtual routing node, the fabric interface as a next hop for the network destination and a label for use in establishing a transport label switched path (LSP); and computing, by the second virtual routing node, a path for the transport LSP to include the fabric interface, and establishing the transport LSP along the computed path.