Provider Edge Device PW ID Mapping for VSI Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions, particularly those using Pseudo Wire Emulation Edge-to-Edge Virtual Leased Lines, face challenges in managing multiple Pseudo Wires (PWs) with different IDs, which prevents simultaneous access to a Virtual Switch Instance (VSI) and limits the full-mesh topology required for complete VPLS service, leading to increased configuration complexity and service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
Configuring unique PW IDs and IP addresses on Provider Edge Devices to establish bi-directional connections based on matching PW IDs, using Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) sessions and Forwarding Tables to enable multiple Pseudo Wire Emulation Edge-to-Edge Virtual Leased Lines to access a single VSI, thereby ensuring consistent state management and network scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PWE3 VLLs with different PW IDs are connected to VPLS, then service diversity and adaptability are improved, but configuration complexity increases and service disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping mechanism that acts as an intermediary between PWE3 PW IDs and VPLS VSI IDs. The mapping table stores correspondence relationships between different PW IDs and VSI IDs, allowing PWE3 VLLs with different PW IDs to access VPLS services without direct configuration on each device. This intermediary mapping layer simplifies the configuration by decoupling the PWE3 and VPLS ID spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PWE3 VLLs with different PW IDs access VPLS, then network scalability is improved, but state management consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network device receives notification messages from the management device when PW ID mappings are updated. The notification message includes the PW ID, VSI ID, and mapping relationship. Upon receiving the notification, the network device updates its mapping table and adjusts forwarding states accordingly, ensuring state management consistency across the network while supporting scalable PW ID variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PWE3 VLLs with different PW IDs are supported, then service adaptability is improved, but full-mesh topology connectivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the VSI ID universally accessible to multiple PWE3 VLLs with different PW IDs through the mapping mechanism. Instead of requiring dedicated one-to-one mappings for full-mesh connectivity, the universal VSI ID allows any PWE3 VLL to access any VPLS service by looking up the appropriate mapping in the mapping table. This multi-functional approach maintains full-mesh topology connectivity while supporting diverse service adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for accessing VPN using PW Emulation Edge-to-Edge Virtual Leased Line includes: configuring a first PW ID in a first Provider Edge Device that hosts a VSI, and an IP address of a second Provider Edge Device that hosts an PW Emulation Edge-to-Edge Virtual Leased Line associated with the PW ID; sending a second PW ID of the second Provider Edge Device to the first Provider Edge Device; determining whether the second PW ID of the second Provider Edge Device matches the first PW ID of the first Provider Edge Device, if it matches, setting the state of the PW between the first Provider Edge Device and the second Provider Edge Device; delivering a Forwarding Table by the first Provider Edge Device; establishing a bi-directional connection between the PW Emulation Edge-to-Edge Virtual Leased Line and the VSI. A Virtual Private System, a first Provider Edge Device, and a second Provider Edge Device are also provided.