Virtual Router Indirection Mapping for Scalable VLAN Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing virtual router functionality are limited by the size of the VLAN field, lack flexibility, and are not scalable, especially as VLAN usage overlaps and network standards evolve, restricting the number of virtual routers that can be accommodated and limiting flexibility in network configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method that forms a key from the VLAN and additional fields, such as the VMAN field, using an indirection mapping process to generate a virtual router identifier (VRID), allowing for the configuration of different virtual router configurations by accessing a table with content and index values, enabling flexible and scalable virtual router functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VLAN field is directly mapped to routing table identifier, then virtual router functionality is provided, but the number of virtual routers is limited by VLAN field size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual router identification process into multiple stages: first mapping VLAN ID to an intermediate index value through a mapping table, then using the index value to select from multiple routing tables. This segmentation allows the system to support more virtual routers than the VLAN field size would normally permit, while keeping each individual routing table manageable in size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate index value as a mediator between the VLAN field and the routing table selection. The mapping table converts VLAN IDs to index values, which then serve as selectors for appropriate routing tables. This intermediary mechanism enables scalable virtual router support without requiring a proportional increase in single routing table sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If VLAN field size is increased to accommodate more virtual routers, then more virtual routers can be supported, but the number of routing tables must increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the routing functionality across multiple routing tables that are selected dynamically based on index values derived from VLAN mappings. Rather than requiring one enormous routing table to handle all possible VLANs, the system segments routing tables into manageable groups, each accessible through the multi-stage mapping process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the routing table selection process by introducing index values as a secondary selection key. Instead of directly mapping VLAN IDs to routing tables in a single dimension, the system creates a two-dimensional selection space where VLAN IDs map to index values, which then map to routing tables, effectively adding an intermediate dimension to the selection process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If VLAN is used to present different virtual routers to different end users, then virtual router functionality is achieved, but overlapping VLAN usage by different users makes this approach obsolete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces index values as intermediaries between VLAN identifiers and routing table selections. The mapping table converts VLAN IDs to index values, which then serve as reliable selectors for routing tables. This intermediary mechanism ensures that even when VLAN IDs overlap across different users or contexts, the final routing table selection remains unambiguous and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for routing table selection from direct VLAN ID mapping to index value-based selection. By transforming the identification parameter through the mapping process, the system maintains reliable virtual router identification even when original VLAN parameters overlap or conflict across different network contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of presenting different virtual routers to different end users, classes of service, or packets is provided. An incoming packet is received having a VLAN field and at least one additional field. A key is formed from the VLAN field and at least one other packet field, and mapped into a virtual router identifier (VRID) using an indirection mapping process. The VRID identifies a particular virtual router configuration from a plurality of possible virtual router configurations. A networking device is configured to have the particular virtual router configuration identified by the VRID, and the packet is then forwarded by the configured device.