Pseudowire Aggregator Coordinates EVPN Connection Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Ethernet virtual private networks (EVPN), the capabilities of multi-homed provider edge devices are not coordinated with the characteristics of pseudowire connections, leading to issues where network traffic may not be forwarded correctly, resulting in packets never arriving at their destination.
Innovation Solution
A pseudowire aggregator device coordinates the characteristics of pseudowire connections with the capabilities of multi-homed provider edge devices by sending messages to change their configurations, ensuring that packets are forwarded correctly through primary or backup connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-homed provider edge devices operate independently without coordination, then device autonomy and configuration flexibility are maintained, but network traffic forwarding reliability deteriorates due to mismatched capabilities and pseudowire connection characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where provider edge devices report their capabilities to the pseudowire aggregator, which then coordinates pseudowire connection characteristics based on this feedback. This ensures that network traffic forwarding reliability is improved through coordinated configuration while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through automated information exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The pseudowire aggregator acts as an intermediary that mediates between multiple provider edge devices and the core network. It receives capability information from provider edge devices, determines appropriate pseudowire connection characteristics, and distributes coordinated configurations back to the devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Reliability
If pseudowire connection characteristics are not coordinated with provider edge device capabilities, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but network traffic delivery fails resulting in packets never arriving at destination
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated capability advertisement and coordination. Provider edge devices automatically report their capabilities, and the pseudowire aggregator automatically determines and distributes appropriate connection characteristics, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring reliable packet delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having provider edge devices advertise their capabilities in advance before actual traffic forwarding begins. The pseudowire aggregator uses this advance information to pre-coordinate pseudowire connection characteristics, ensuring that when traffic needs to be forwarded, the proper coordination is already in place for reliable delivery.
3Reliability
If multiple pseudowire connections are maintained without coordination, then connection redundancy is provided, but processor and memory resource usage increases due to duplicate traffic processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different roles (primary or secondary) to different pseudowire connections based on local conditions at each provider edge device. The pseudowire aggregator coordinates these local decisions to ensure that traffic is forwarded through appropriate connections while avoiding duplicate processing, thus maintaining connection redundancy without excessive resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by allowing the roles of pseudowire connections to be dynamic rather than static. The pseudowire aggregator can adjust the primary/secondary status of connections based on current network conditions and device capabilities, enabling the system to maintain redundancy while optimizing resource usage by activating only the necessary connections for current traffic flows.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device may store first information regarding a first pseudowire connection with a first device, wherein the first pseudowire connection provides access to an Ethernet virtual private network (EVPN) to communicate with a host device. The device may store second information regarding a second pseudowire connection with a second device, wherein the second pseudowire connection provides access to the EVPN to communicate with the host device. The device may receive a message that includes a configuration identifier and identify the configuration identifier. The device may change a first characteristic of the first pseudowire connection based on the configuration identifier. The device may change a second characteristic of the second pseudowire connection based on the configuration identifier. The device may receive data from the host device based on changing the first characteristic of the first pseudowire connection and changing the second characteristic of the second pseudowire connection.