SPE Data Forwarding for Multi-Segment Pseudo Wire Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In PWE3 networks, data messages cannot be forwarded successfully when an intermediate device fails, affecting service quality due to the lack of a robust forwarding mechanism for Multi Segment Pseudo Wires (MSPW) across multiple hops.

Innovation Solution

A method for processing data forwarding at the Service Provider-end Provider Edge (SPE) that configures data forwarding information with corresponding relationships between MSPW information and forwarding information of MSPW protection link groups, allowing for label encapsulation and forwarding based on queried forwarding information, including effective and standby protection links, to ensure seamless service flow switching upon link failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single-hop PW is used, then the forwarding mechanism is simple, but it cannot meet requirements when PEs are not in the same Autonomous System domain or when signaling connections cannot be established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforwarding mechanism complexityVSAvoidnetwork topology adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PW path into multiple hops, allowing the PW to traverse through intermediate S-PEs when direct PE-to-PE connection is not possible. This segmentation enables the network to handle complex topologies while maintaining manageable forwarding mechanisms at each hop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate S-PEs as mediators that facilitate PW establishment between PEs in different Autonomous System domains. These intermediary devices perform label switching and signaling functions, enabling connectivity without requiring direct PE-to-PE signaling connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-hop PW is adopted, then network flexibility and grading capability are improved, but data messages cannot be forwarded successfully when intermediate devices fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidforwarding reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes protection links in advance before failures occur. The network pre-configures backup paths and maintains signaling connections for protection links, so that when an intermediate device fails, the switch to protection links can occur immediately without delay in establishing new connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates redundant protection links as a cushion against failures. These protection links are maintained in a standby state with pre-established signaling connections, providing a buffer that absorbs the impact of intermediate device failures and ensures continuous forwarding capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If access devices support large number of LDP sessions, then single-hop PW can be used, but overheads of LDP sessions increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePW establishment capabilityVSAvoidLDP session overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces S-PEs as intermediary devices that assume the burden of maintaining LDP signaling connections. Instead of access devices maintaining numerous LDP sessions, the S-PEs act as signaling reflectors that manage the LDP sessions, thereby reducing the LDP session overhead at access devices while maintaining full PW establishment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9893930B2Method and device for processing data forwarding

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A method for processing data forwarding and a Service Provider-end Provider Edge (SPE) are disclosed, including the following steps: the SPE configuring data forwarding information which includes a corresponding relationship between Multi Segment Pseudo Wires (MSPW) information and forwarding information of an MSPW protection link group or a corresponding relationship between the MSPW information and forwarding information of other MSPW except the forwarding information of the MSPW protection link group (101); the SPE receiving a service message (102) carrying the MSPW information; the SPE querying the forwarding information of the MSPW protection link group or the forwarding information of other MSPW except the forwarding information of the MSPW protection link group (103); and the SPE performing label encapsulation and forwarding according to the queried-out forwarding information of the MSPW protection link group or forwarding information of other MSPW except the forwarding information of the MSPW protection link group (104).