Multiple Label Spaces in Label Switched Routers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional label switched routers (LSRs) are limited by a 32-bit label stack that restricts the number of addressable labels to 1M, which is insufficient for high-density MPLS-based applications such as VPN services that require more than 1M labels, leading to label space exhaustion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple label spaces with unique identifiers allows for a significant increase in the number of available labels by using upstream or downstream assignment techniques, preserving the standard MPLS label format, and encoding label space identifiers within the label stack to differentiate labels across various spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a 32-bit label stack is used in conventional LSRs, then the label format is simple and chipsets are easy to manufacture, but the number of addressable labels is limited to 1M which causes label space exhaustion
Solution Approach 1:
The label space is segmented into multiple label spaces, each identified by a unique identifier. This segmentation allows the system to manage larger numbers of labels by dividing the overall label space into manageable segments, thereby increasing the total number of available labels without requiring a complete redesign of the label stack structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension to the label structure by incorporating a label space identifier alongside the traditional label value. This dimensional extension transforms the single-dimension 32-bit label into a two-dimension structure (label space ID + label value), dramatically expanding the addressable label space from 1M to billions of labels.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple label spaces are implemented to increase label capacity, then label space exhaustion is prevented, but the complexity of label management and routing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The label space identifier mechanism serves multiple functions: it distinguishes between different label spaces, enables scalable label allocation, and maintains compatibility with existing MPLS operations. This universal approach allows the same basic label processing logic to handle both traditional and extended label spaces, reducing operational complexity despite the increased label capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the standard MPLS label format is preserved, then compatibility with existing MPLS implementations is maintained, but the number of addressable labels remains limited to 1M
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the label space identifier and label value are combined to form an extended label space. The traditional MPLS label format is nested within this broader structure, allowing existing MPLS operations to function unchanged while operating within the extended label space, thereby maintaining compatibility while dramatically increasing addressable labels from 1M to billions.
Data Source
AI summary
A router includes a memory configured to store a plurality of label spaces for each label space type used in a communication system. The plurality of label spaces store labels that identify virtual links between nodes of the communication system. The router also includes a processor configured to allocate a plurality of label space identifiers to the plurality of label spaces and to route packets based on labels and label space identifiers included in the packets. The router further includes a transceiver configured to transmit or receive the packets including the labels and the label space identifiers.