Multi-Domain Dual-Home Path Establishment via Parent PCE
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON)/Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) networks, the establishment of multi-domain and dual-home paths is hindered by the inability of client networks to directly initiate Client to Client (C2C) path computation due to the lack of visibility into serving network topology, leading to incorrect PE source node designation and failed path establishment.
Innovation Solution
A method where the client network sends information of a first dual-home path and a computation request to a parent Path Computation Element (PCE) of the serving network, which computes and responds with a dual-home separating path, allowing the client network to establish a second dual-home path based on this information, thereby overcoming the visibility limitations and ensuring correct PE source node selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the client network designates a PE node to initiate path computation, then the path establishment process can be started, but the client network cannot directly initiate C2C path computation due to lack of visibility into serving network topology, leading to incorrect PE source node designation and failed path establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PCE (Path Computation Element) as an intermediary between the client network and the serving network. The PCE has full visibility of the serving network topology and performs the path computation that the client network cannot perform directly. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling the client to indirectly initiate reliable path computation without needing direct topology visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the client network directly compute the path (which would require topology visibility), the patent inverts the approach by having the PCE compute the path based on topology information it possesses, then return the computed path to the client for establishment. This inversion allows the computation to be performed by the entity with the necessary information rather than the entity that needs the service.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PCEs need to collaborate for dual-home path computation in different domains, then complete path computation can be achieved, but the query process becomes relatively difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple PCEs into a hierarchical structure with a parent PCE coordinating child PCEs. Instead of having multiple independent PCEs that must peer-to-peer collaborate, the parent PCE consolidates the coordination function, simplifying the interaction model. The parent PCE receives the dual-home path computation request and coordinates with relevant child PCEs, then aggregates their results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the path computation task across multiple PCEs in a hierarchical manner. The parent PCE handles the overall coordination and aggregation, while child PCEs handle domain-specific path computations. This segmentation allows complex multi-domain computation to be broken down into manageable sub-tasks that can be executed independently and then combined.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the client network cannot see the serving network topology, then topology confidentiality and isolation are maintained, but the client network cannot make correct PE source node selection for dual-home path establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The PCE acts as an intermediary that has access to both the topology information (needed for accurate PE selection) and the client's path establishment request. The PCE uses its topology knowledge to correctly identify suitable PE source nodes and includes this information in the path computation response, allowing the client to make accurate selections without directly exposing the topology to the client.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCE provides feedback to the client network about the computed path and the selected PE source nodes based on its topology knowledge. This feedback mechanism allows the client to make informed decisions about PE selection without the PCE revealing the underlying topology structure. The client receives the necessary information for correct selection through the structured path computation response.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and a device for establishing a multi-domain and dual-home path, herein the method includes: a client network sending information of a first dual-home path and a computation request of a dual-home separating path of the first dual-home path to a parent PCE of a serving network with which the client network is associated; the client network receiving information of the dual-home separating path responded by the parent PCE, herein the information of the dual-home separating path is computed by the parent PCE at least according to the information of the first dual-home path; and the client network establishing a second dual-home path according to the information of the dual-home separating path.