Pseudo-LACP Module for Provider Edge Redundancy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier Ethernet network redundancy mechanisms require specialized protocols to be run on both the provider edge (PE) and access side devices, limiting control and scalability, and are not adaptable to multiple network topologies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pseudo-link aggregation control protocol (pseudo-LACP) module on the provider edge (PE) devices to simulate LACP PDUs and manage redundancy without requiring protocols on the access side, allowing for single-chassis and multi-chassis redundancy with control solely on the PE side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized redundancy protocols are run on both PE and access side devices, then link and node redundancy can be achieved, but device complexity increases and control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the redundancy control logic from the access side devices and concentrates it entirely on the PE devices. The access side devices simply send regular LACP PDUs without running specialized redundancy protocols, while the PE devices implement the pseudo-LACP module to handle all redundancy decisions, link selection, and failover control independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pseudo-LACP module as an intermediary layer on the PE devices that translates regular LACP communication into redundancy control actions. This module acts as a mediator between standard LACP protocol operations and proprietary redundancy mechanisms, enabling redundancy functionality without requiring access side devices to run specialized protocols.
2Reliability
If access side devices run specialized redundancy protocols, then redundancy control is possible, but adaptability to multiple network topologies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the PE devices universal by implementing the pseudo-LACP module that can handle multiple network topologies (dual-homed access nodes, access networks linked to multiple PEs, various redundancy configurations) through a single standardized interface. The access side devices remain generic and can operate in different topologies without protocol modifications, while the PE pseudo-LACP module adapts to support diverse topologies.
3Reliability
If access side devices configure primary and backup ports, then redundancy is achieved, but provider control over link selection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional redundancy control model by having the PE devices (provider side) control link selection and failover decisions instead of the access side devices (customer side). The pseudo-LACP module on PE devices receives LACP PDUs from access devices and unilaterally determines which links are active, standby, or backup, reversing the control direction to benefit the service provider.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of provider edge (PE) devices, the PE devices having a plurality of ports; and a pseudo-link aggregation control protocol (LACP) module instantiated for each of the ports. The pseudo-LACP module allows the PE devices to support dual-homing of an access side, the access side including either an access node or an access network, without running any control protocol for redundancy on the access side.