SRP-IS-IS Interworking for Time-Sensitive Stream Path Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The interworking between Stream Reservation Protocol (SRP) and Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) is not clearly specified, particularly in bridge networks, limiting the ability to leverage IS-IS capabilities for time-sensitive streams, and existing protocols like RSTP and MSTP do not support efficient shortest path setup.

Innovation Solution

A method for interworking between SRP and IS-IS is provided, where a first protocol entity sends a request for stream path information to a second protocol entity, which determines and sends back the stream path information, allowing the first protocol entity to initiate resource reservation procedures, enabling efficient stream path establishment and resource reservation in a communication network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Stream Reservation Protocol (SRP) is used in bridge networks with RSTP or MSTP, then resource reservation for data streams can be provided, but the ability to leverage shortest path capabilities is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource reservation capabilityVSAvoidshortest path establishment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the SRP protocol entity interacts with the RSTP/MSTP protocol entity through defined interfaces and messages. The SRP entity requests stream path information from the RSTP/MSTP entity, which then determines and provides the stream path. This intermediary interaction allows SRP to leverage the shortest path capabilities of RSTP/MSTP while maintaining its resource reservation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If RSTP or MSTP is used for bridge network control, then network stability is maintained, but efficient shortest path setup for time-sensitive streams is not supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidstream path establishment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the functionality by separating the network control function (performed by RSTP/MSTP for stability) from the stream path establishment function (performed by SRP for efficiency). The SRP protocol entity can independently request and establish stream paths without disrupting the overall network stability maintained by RSTP/MSTP. This segmentation allows both protocols to operate in their optimal domains simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If IS-IS protocol is used for routing, then shortest path capabilities are available, but clear interworking specification with SRP is missing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshortest path capabilityVSAvoidprotocol interworking complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal interface mechanism that allows the SRP protocol to work with multiple routing protocols (RSTP, MSTP, and IS-IS) through a common interaction framework. The SRP entity uses standardized request and response messages that can be adapted to different routing protocols, making the system multi-functional and protocol-agnostic while maintaining clear specifications for interworking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3020163B1Interworking between first protocol entity of stream reservation protocol and second protocol entity of routing protocol
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3020163B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP3020163B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3020163B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1G

AI summary

A method for interworking between a first protocol entity (12) adapted to operate in accordance with a stream reservation protocol for reserving resources for a data stream along a stream path of the data stream and a second protocol entity (14a, 14b) adapted to operate in accordance with a routing protocol for distributing information in a communication network (20) is described. The method comprises sending (S22), from the first protocol entity (12) to the second protocol entity (14a, 14b), a request for stream path formation indicating, for a data stream to be sent, a stream path in the communication network, (20). The method also comprises determining (S24), by the second protocol entity (14a, 14b), the stream path formation for the stream path based on the request, sending (S26), from the second protocol entity (14a, 14b) to the first protocol entity (12), the determined stream path information, and initiating (S28), by the first protocol entity (12), a resource reservation procedure for reserving resources in response to receiving the stream path information. Therefore an easy and efficient interworking between different protocol entities (12, 14a, 14b) with respect to stream path establishment and resources reservation can enabled.