Segment Routing MAC Learning for Ethernet Service Scalability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing E-tree implementations using VPLS over MPLS PWs or BGP EVPN face scalability bottlenecks, slow MAC address learning, and increased control plane overhead due to the need for all network devices to learn and process MAC addresses, leading to inefficiencies in network performance and redundancy.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Next Generation Virtual Private LAN Service (NG-VPLS) using Segment Routing, which employs data plane MAC address learning and anycast SIDs to reduce control plane overhead, enable fast convergence, and maintain multi-active redundancy and auto-discovery, eliminating the need for EVPN Route Types 1-4 and simplifying MAC address distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If control plane MAC learning is used in EVPN, then MAC address distribution is achieved, but learning speed is slow and control plane overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMAC address learning speedVSAvoidcontrol plane overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments MAC address learning into two paths: control plane learning for initial MAC address distribution and data plane learning for fast MAC address updates. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the reliability of control plane signaling while achieving fast convergence through data plane MAC address learning, resolving the contradiction between learning speed and control plane overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where MAC address information is initially distributed through control plane BGP EVPN signaling, then subsequently updated through data plane MAC address learning. This intermediary approach allows the system to benefit from both control plane reliability and data plane speed, reducing the burden on the control plane while maintaining accurate MAC address distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If all network devices learn all MAC addresses in EVPN, then complete MAC address distribution is achieved, but scalability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMAC address distribution completenessVSAvoidnetwork scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by allowing each network device to learn MAC addresses selectively based on local needs. Through data plane MAC address learning, devices only learn and store MAC addresses relevant to their local traffic patterns, rather than all MAC addresses in the network. This maintains reliable MAC address distribution for needed addresses while improving network scalability by reducing unnecessary MAC address storage and processing at each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If VPLS over MPLS PW is used for E-tree service, then service establishment is achieved, but scalability becomes bottlenecked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice establishmentVSAvoidnetwork scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges VPLS service establishment with EVPN technology, combining the service setup capabilities of VPLS with the scalable address learning mechanisms of EVPN. This integration allows E-tree services to be established efficiently while leveraging data plane MAC address learning to avoid the scalability bottlenecks of traditional VPLS over MPLS PW, where each node would need to maintain individual PW contexts for all service endpoints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11870688B2Ethernet services with segment routing with dataplane MAC learning

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 CIENA CORP

AI summary

A node in a Segment Routing network includes circuitry configured to signal first service Segment Identifiers (SIDs), for one or more first Ethernet services configured at the node, to other nodes in the Segment Routing network, receive second service SIDs for one or more second Ethernet services configured at the other nodes in the Segment Routing network, and configure the second service SIDs for one or more second Ethernet services. The first service SIDs and the second service SIDs can be signaled by one of Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP) and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP).