QoS Logical Port Identifier for Broadband Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Gigabit Ethernet DSLAM aggregation networks, there is no L2 identifier like VPI/VCI to shape traffic to a particular subscriber line, leading to indiscriminate drops and data packet collisions, which harms Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and complicates Quality of Service (QoS) management.
Innovation Solution
A QoS mechanism that identifies a bundle of data packet traffic for shared QoS treatment by snooping control plane information, using DHCP Option 82 and PPP tag information to create a logical grouping of sessions, allowing shaping and policing based on a single logical identifier, thereby removing the need for QoS capabilities from DSLAMs and other non-capable L2 aggregation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet networks are used to replace ATM protocol networks in Gigabit Ethernet DSLAM aggregation networks, then network migration and modernization is achieved, but there is no L2 identifier like VPI/VCI to shape traffic to a particular subscriber line, leading to indiscriminate drops and data packet collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DHCP Option 82 and PPP tag information as intermediary elements that carry subscriber identification information through the Ethernet network. These intermediaries enable the BRAS to identify and shape traffic for specific subscriber lines without requiring native L2 identifiers like VPI/VCI, thus resolving the contradiction between network modernization and traffic shaping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the identifier from the traditional Layer 2 physical dimension to the Layer 3 protocol dimension by using DHCP Option 82 and PPP tags. This dimensional shift allows subscriber identification and traffic shaping to be achieved through protocol-level information rather than relying on absent L2 identifiers, enabling QoS in the absence of VPI/VCI.
2Device complexity
If QoS functions are removed from DSLAMs and other non-capable L2 aggregation devices, then device complexity is reduced, but QoS management becomes more difficult without L2 identifiers for traffic shaping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses DHCP Option 82 and PPP tag information as intermediaries that bridge the gap between non-QoS capable L2 devices and QoS requirements. These intermediaries carry the necessary subscriber identification information upstream to the BRAS, allowing QoS management to be centralized without requiring QoS capabilities at intermediate L2 devices, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining manageability.
3Productivity
If traffic policing and shaping are applied without proper identifier information, then bandwidth management is simplified, but indiscriminate drops occur and SLAs are harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces DHCP Option 82 and PPP tag information as intermediaries that provide essential subscriber identification data to the BRAS. These intermediaries enable accurate traffic classification and shaping based on specific subscriber lines, preventing indiscriminate packet drops while maintaining efficient bandwidth management and SLA compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by extracting and preserving subscriber identification information through DHCP Option 82 and PPP tags before traffic shaping occurs. This preliminary capture of identifier information ensures that subsequent policing and shaping operations can be performed accurately and selectively, preventing indiscriminate drops while maintaining SLA compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A provider edge (PE) device provides subscribers with access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network. The subscribers are connected to the PE device via a broadband aggregation device. The PE device includes a processor operable to snoop control plane traffic for a logical identifier that allows subscriber traffic having varying data plane information to be treated as a session group. The processor is further operable to instantiate the session group based on the logical identifier. A unit of the PE device applies a QOS policy to traffic flow associated with the session group. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.