Router Data Plane Synchronization with Control Plane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In modern communication networks, data loss can occur due to the lack of synchronization between the data plane and control plane of routers, leading to premature route advertisement and data blackholing when the data plane is not properly configured to handle incoming packets.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing the data plane and control plane of routers by learning route information using routing protocols, storing it in a Routing Information Base (RIB), and copying a subset of this information to a Forwarding Information Base (FIB) with synchronization data to ensure that the data plane is configured before packet forwarding, thereby preventing data blackholing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the data plane is configured to forward packets before the control plane completes route learning, then forwarding speed is improved, but data loss occurs due to premature route advertisement
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane performs route learning and populates the RIB before the data plane is configured to forward packets. This preliminary action ensures that routing information is ready and verified before forwarding operations begin, preventing data loss while maintaining efficient forwarding once synchronized.
2Device complexity
If the control plane and data plane are operated independently without synchronization, then system complexity is reduced, but data blackholing occurs due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization mechanism provides feedback between the control plane and data plane. The control plane notifies the data plane when route information is ready in the RIB, and the data plane confirms when it is prepared to forward. This feedback loop coordinates the two planes without requiring complex continuous synchronization, preventing data blackholing while maintaining operational independence.
3Loss of time
If route information is immediately advertised to other nodes upon learning, then route convergence speed is improved, but data packets may be lost before forwarding configuration is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane completes route learning and populates the RIB before advertising routes to other nodes or enabling data plane forwarding. This preliminary completion of route learning ensures that routing information is stable and verified before propagation, achieving fast convergence while preventing packet loss through proper sequencing of operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The RIB serves as an intermediary between route learning and route advertisement/forwarding. Route information flows through the RIB which acts as a buffer and verification point before being propagated to other nodes or used by the data plane. This intermediary mechanism ensures routes are fully learned and validated before being put into service, preventing premature advertisement while maintaining efficient convergence.
Data Source
AI summary
Synchronization between a data plane of a router in a network and a control plane of the router is performed by a processor of the router. Route information associated with at least one network node in the network is learned using a routing protocol. The route information includes a plurality of subsets and is stored in a routing information base (RIB) of the router. A first subset of the plurality of subsets of the route information is copied from the RIB to a forwarding information base (FIB) of the router. After the first subset has been copied to the FIB, synchronization data in the router associated with the first subset is modified. The modification indicates that the first subset has been copied to the FIB.