VLAN Numbering in Access Network Terminators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In access networks with multiple service providers, the configuration and management of network terminators at subscriber premises are complex and require significant efforts to allow access to each service provider, necessitating administrative maintenance for each operational subscriber-service provider relation.
Innovation Solution
A network terminator supports VLAN numbering on both the network and subscriber sides, allowing it to connect and manage VLANs by stripping or adding port numbers and service numbers, enabling efficient configuration and management by eliminating the need for individual configuration at subscriber premises, and supporting untagged Ethernet traffic translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network terminators are configured to allow access to multiple service providers, then service access capability is improved, but configuration and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The VLAN ID space is segmented into two distinct parts: a provider-specific portion and a subscriber-specific portion. This segmentation allows the network terminator to handle multiple service providers without requiring complex per-subscriber configuration, as the provider identification is embedded in the VLAN ID structure itself. The segmentation enables automatic routing and service provider identification based on the VLAN ID composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension to VLAN ID organization by splitting the traditional flat VLAN ID into hierarchical components (provider portion and subscriber portion). This dimensional change transforms the configuration management from a two-dimensional problem (subscriber-provider relationships) into a more manageable structure where the provider portion acts as a namespace, automatically organizing access relationships without requiring explicit per-relationship configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual configuration is performed for each subscriber-service provider relation, then access control precision is improved, but administrative maintenance effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The provider-specific portion of the VLAN ID is configured in advance at the network terminator, establishing a predefined framework for multiple service providers. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for ongoing administrative maintenance of individual subscriber-provider relationships, as the structure automatically handles access control based on the embedded provider identification in incoming VLAN-tagged frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the provider-specific portion of the VLAN ID as a template or copy mechanism that automatically identifies and routes traffic to the appropriate service provider. Instead of maintaining separate configuration records for each subscriber-provider relationship, the system copies the provider identification from the VLAN ID itself, eliminating repetitive administrative maintenance while preserving precise access control.
3Reliability
If VLAN numbering includes port numbers for each service provider, then traffic separation is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the port number information from the traditional VLAN ID and places it in a separate, dedicated field in the extended VLAN tag structure. This extraction allows the VLAN ID to focus solely on provider and subscriber identification, while the separate port field handles traffic separation and routing information. The separation simplifies configuration by eliminating the need to encode port numbers within the VLAN ID itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the conflict between traffic separation and configuration simplicity by moving port number information to a new dimension - a separate field in the extended VLAN tag structure. This dimensional separation allows the VLAN ID to maintain its simplified provider-subscriber identification function while the dedicated port field handles traffic separation, eliminating the need for complex VLAN ID encoding schemes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to VLAN numbering in access networks.