Network Topology Association Using Shared Node Identifiers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network topology collection methods require complex manual configuration on controller devices to obtain end-to-end topology information, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method where network devices advertise intra-domain and inter-domain topology information using a node identifier, allowing the controller device to automatically associate these topologies based on the same identifier, reducing manual configuration workload and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration operations are performed on the controller device to obtain end-to-end topology information, then the topology collection can be completed, but the configuration complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller device automatically associates intra-domain topology information with inter-domain topology information by itself, using the node identifier as the association key. This eliminates the need for manual configuration operations, allowing the system to self-configure and self-service, thereby improving topology collection efficiency while reducing configuration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The node identifier serves as an intermediary element that bridges intra-domain and inter-domain topology information. By including the same node identifier in both topology types, the controller can automatically correlate them without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between automation and complexity
2Ease of operation
If intra-domain and inter-domain topology information are sent separately without a common identifier, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but automatic association becomes difficult requiring manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The node identifier is selectively included in specific fields within the topology information structures (such as BGP-LS node routes, link routes, or SRv6 SID routes). This local addition of the identifier provides the necessary association capability without fundamentally changing the overall protocol structure, enabling automatic association while minimizing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The node identifier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the network device in the intra-domain topology, identifies the same device in the inter-domain topology, and acts as the association key for automatic correlation. This multi-functionality enables automatic association without requiring separate identification mechanisms, maintaining information structure simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for advertising topology information and collecting a network topology comprises, when a topology is sent, both an intra-domain topology and an inter-domain topology carry a node identifier, and carry a same node identifier, such that a controller device automatically associates intra-domain topology information with the inter-domain topology based on the same node identifier.