Virtual Leased Line via VLAN QinQ and Extended LDP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for implementing Virtual Leased Lines (VLL) in MPLS networks are complex, resulting in high overhead and heavy label configuration and maintenance work, especially when using MPLS label-based switching mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring a VLAN label stack based on VLAN QinQ technique, extending the Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) to support VLAN label encapsulation, and using a VLAN QinQ switching device and MPLS device to communicate, allowing for simplified label configuration and reduced maintenance through a VLAN switching path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MPLS label-based switching mechanism is used to implement VLL, then forwarding control and QoS are improved, but protocol complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the VLL implementation from complex MPLS label-based switching by using simplified Ethernet frame switching with VLAN tags. This removes unnecessary MPLS protocol complexity while retaining the essential VLL functionality of providing dedicated virtual connections between endpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex MPLS labels with simpler Ethernet frame headers containing VLAN tags. These Ethernet frames serve as disposable, lightweight carriers that provide sufficient functionality without the overhead of persistent MPLS label processing, reducing both protocol complexity and processing overhead.
2Reliability
If MPLS label-based switching is used for VLL, then end-to-end forwarding control is improved, but label configuration and maintenance workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex MPLS label configuration and maintenance operations by using Ethernet frame switching with VLAN tags. The VLAN tag-based approach provides end-to-end forwarding control without requiring manual label configuration, significantly reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet frame switching mechanism with VLAN tags provides self-service forwarding control. The VLAN tags automatically identify and route frames through the network without requiring manual label configuration or maintenance operations, enabling the system to manage itself autonomously.
3Reliability
If MPLS label assignment and distribution is implemented, then VLL connectivity is improved, but message overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky MPLS label messages with compact Ethernet frame headers containing VLAN tags. These lightweight frames carry VLL connectivity information efficiently, reducing message overhead while maintaining full VLL connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for identification from MPLS labels (4-byte fixed identifiers) to Ethernet VLAN tags (12-bit identifiers within Ethernet frames). This parameter change reduces the size of control messages and frame headers, significantly decreasing message overhead while preserving VLL connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing a virtual leased line (VLL) is provided. The method includes the steps of: configuring a virtual local area network (VLAN) label stack on the basis of VLAN QinQ technique; configuring a VLAN QinQ switching device and a multi-protocol label switching device to communicate with each other; extending a label distribution protocol (LDP) to support encapsulation of VLAN labels, so as to carry out VLAN label assignment and take the extended LDP as a topology discovery protocol for an L2 virtual private network; setting the range of VLAN labels; implementing a VLL by constructing a VLAN switching path.