Proxy Aggregation for Pseudo-Wire Heterogeneous FEC Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network technologies face challenges in setting up pseudo-wires between devices configured to support different technologies, often resulting in error messages due to incompatibility, and require costly upgrades or reconfiguration to conform to uniform standards.
Innovation Solution
Implementing proxy aggregation devices that transform communications between access devices configured for Forwarding Equivalence Class (FEC) 128 and FEC 129, allowing pseudo-wires to be established without requiring uniform technology support across the network, by reversibly generating information and maintaining compliance with existing network standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are configured to support different technologies (FEC 128 and FEC 129), then device diversity and flexibility are improved, but compatibility and interoperability deteriorate causing error messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy device that acts as an intermediary between access devices using different FEC technologies (FEC 128 and FEC 129). The proxy receives pseudo-wire setup requests from one technology type, translates them into the appropriate format for the other technology type, and forwards them accordingly. This intermediary mechanism enables devices with different technology configurations to communicate and establish pseudo-wires without requiring uniform technology support across all devices in the network.
2Reliability
If uniform technology support is required across the network, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity and upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into different functional zones: access devices can maintain their existing FEC technology configurations (FEC 128 or FEC 129) without changes, while the proxy device handles the technology translation functionality. This segmentation allows the majority of deployed devices to remain unchanged while only requiring the proxy device to implement the translation logic, thereby reducing overall network upgrade complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy device is designed with multi-functionality to support both FEC 128 and FEC 129 technologies, as well as the translation between them. This universal capability allows a single proxy device type to handle diverse technology configurations across the network, eliminating the need for multiple specialized device types and reducing network complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing deployed devices are used without upgrades, then cost and logistics are improved, but technology incompatibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy device serves as a mediator that enables existing deployed access devices to interoperate without requiring any upgrades or reconfigurations. By implementing translation functionality in the proxy, the system allows devices with different FEC technologies to communicate and establish pseudo-wires successfully, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness while resolving compatibility issues.
Data Source
AI summary
Communicating is disclosed. A first communication associated with a first mechanism for configuring a pseudo-wire is received. The first communication is transformed into a second communication, where the second communication is associated with a second mechanism for configuring a pseudo-wire. The second communication is transmitted, where a pseudo-wire that is configured using the second communication is associated with (1) a first node that is configured to support the first mechanism and (2) a second node that is configured to support the second mechanism.