Network Controller Cross-Domain Routing via BGP-LS

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Solution Overview

Problem

In scenarios where metropolitan area networks at two ends and the intermediate backbone network are different network domains, and the network controller lacks permission to acquire topology information in the backbone domain, it is challenging for the network controller to calculate end-to-end routing paths across these domains.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an information processing method where a network controller acquires a BGP-LS message from a first edge node, which carries segment identifier information pre-configured according to a mapping relationship. The network controller determines the presence of a reachable path and calculates a routing path, establishing a segment identifier list including the first segment identifier information, even without access to the backbone domain's topology information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the network controller uses conventional routing methods to calculate end-to-end paths, then routing accuracy is improved, but it cannot obtain topology information in backbone domains where permission is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting path calculation accuracyVSAvoidtopology information accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces BGP-LS as an intermediary mechanism that allows the network controller to obtain topology information from backbone domains without requiring direct access permissions. Edge nodes in the backbone domain export topology information via BGP-LS protocol, which the controller can then use for path calculation, thus mediating between the controller's need for information and the backbone domain's permission restrictions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary topology information (node identifiers, link identifiers, segment identifiers) from the backbone domain through BGP-LS messages, rather than requiring full topology access. This extraction approach allows the controller to obtain sufficient data for routing calculations while respecting the backbone domain's information access restrictions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the network controller restricts access to backbone topology information for security reasons, then network security is improved, but the controller cannot calculate cross-domain routing paths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidcross-domain routing path calculation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

BGP-LS acts as a secure intermediary that enables controlled information exchange. The backbone domain can export topology information through standardized BGP-LS attributes with appropriate permissions, allowing the controller to perform routing calculations without direct access to the backbone domain's internal systems, thus maintaining security while enabling operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the topology information into specific BGP-LS attributes (node identifiers, link identifiers, segment identifiers) that are selectively exported. This segmentation allows the controller to receive only the specific information needed for routing calculations while the backbone domain maintains control over what information is exposed, balancing security and operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network controller acquires segment identifier information through BGP-LS messages, then cross-domain routing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to mapping relationship management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-domain routing capabilityVSAvoidmapping relationship management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes mapping relationships between first segment identifiers (from backbone domain) and second segment identifiers (from metropolitan area networks) in advance through pre-configuration. This preliminary action allows the controller to directly use pre-established mappings when calculating routing paths, avoiding the need to dynamically complex mapping operations and reducing real-time computational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4016965B1Information processing method, network controller, node and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 ZTE CORP
  • EP4016965B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4016965B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4016965B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

Provided are an information processing method, a network controller, a node and a computer-readable storage medium. The information processing method includes: acquiring a first BGP-LS message reported by a first edge node of a first network domain, where the first BGP-LS message carries second segment identifier information and first segment identifier information configured according to the second segment identifier information, the first segment identifier information corresponds to the first edge node, and the second segment identifier information corresponds to a second edge node of the first network domain (S110); determining, according to the first segment identifier information and the second segment identifier information, the presence of a reachable path from the first edge node to the second edge node (S120); and, calculating a routing path including the reachable path, and establishing a segment identifier list including the first segment identifier information in the process of calculating the routing path (S130).