SDN VRF Connectivity via Single Data Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing virtual private networks (VPNs) using software-defined networks (SDNs) face limitations in meeting the scale and complexity requirements driven by increased demand for dynamic network onboarding, particularly in efficiently supporting connectivity to multiple virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) instances.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves receiving route information from customer edge devices, parsing it to identify intended VRF instances, and importing this information into the appropriate VRF instances through a single data link communication session, such as an eBGP session, while defining associations between community values and VRF instances on provider edge devices to manage dynamic relationships between customer networks and provider networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple VRF instances are maintained for each VPN to provide routing functionality, then the ability to support multiple VPNs simultaneously is improved, but the device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments routing information by associating each route with a specific VRF instance through VRF import/export mechanisms. Routes are divided and organized into separate VRF contexts, allowing multiple VPNs to coexist on a single routing device while maintaining logical separation and independent management of each virtual routing instance.
Solution Approach 2:
A single routing device is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting multiple VRF instances simultaneously. The device can handle routing for multiple different VPNs through one physical interface, making the routing device universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each VPN while maintaining the ability to support multiple VPNs.
2Productivity
If dynamic network onboarding is implemented to meet increasing demand, then the scalability and responsiveness to customer needs are improved, but the complexity of managing and parsing route information across multiple VRFs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of route parsing and VRF import/export functionality. This intermediary layer automatically processes incoming route information, identifies the appropriate VRF instance based on route attributes or community values, and imports routes into the correct VRF context. This mediation simplifies dynamic onboarding by automating the complex process of route classification and VRF assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring VRF instances and establishing import/export policies before dynamic network onboarding occurs. Route filtering criteria, community value mappings, and VRF associations are predetermined, enabling rapid and automated onboarding of new networks without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the onboarding process itself.
3Productivity
If route information is parsed and imported into multiple VRF instances from a single data link, then the efficiency of network resource utilization is improved, but the processing overhead and time required for route management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple VRF routing functions into a single routing device and processes route information from a single data link session. By consolidating the routing functionality for multiple VPNs into one device and processing all route imports through a unified parsing mechanism, the system improves network resource utilization while minimizing redundant processing operations that would increase time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic or event-driven route processing where route information is parsed and imported into appropriate VRF instances based on triggered events such as route announcements or policy changes. This periodic action approach allows the system to maintain up-to-date routing information across multiple VRFs without continuous processing, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining efficiency in route information distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for software defined network (SDN) management. Route information is received from a customer edge (CE) device. The route information is parsed to identify at least one virtual routing and forwarding (VRF) instance for which the route information is intended. The route information is imported into the VRF instance.