VPLS Edge Packet Selection Agreement Prevents Proliferation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In VPLS networks with multi-device link aggregation, packet proliferation occurs when virtual circuits are set up without recognition of this aggregation, leading to duplicate packets being transmitted, which disrupts normal packet forwarding.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data communication system where edges within the network agree on packet handling, replicating and relaying packets through specific virtual circuits while discarding duplicates, and updating agreements upon edge failures or recoveries to ensure uninterrupted forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-device link aggregation is implemented without recognition by VPLS standards, then network redundancy is improved, but packet proliferation occurs causing forwarding disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing packet selection agreements between edge devices before packet proliferation occurs. The agreements are pre-configured to specify which edge device should forward packets received from which virtual circuits, preventing duplicate packet transmission before the problem manifests. This proactive approach ensures that even when multiple virtual circuits exist due to multi-device link aggregation, only one edge device forwards packets from each virtual circuit, eliminating packet proliferation at its source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual circuits are set up among Provider Edges without recognition of multi-device link aggregation, then standard VPLS operation is maintained, but duplicate packets are transmitted disrupting normal forwarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces packet selection agreements as an intermediary mechanism between standard VPLS operation and multi-device link aggregation. These agreements act as a mediator that allows the system to maintain standard VPLS virtual circuit setup procedures while simultaneously preventing duplicate packet transmission. The agreements specify which edge device should forward packets from each virtual circuit, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of standard compliance and efficient packet forwarding.
3Productivity
If edges forward packets from all virtual circuits, then complete coverage is achieved, but packet duplicates are generated reducing network efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each edge device's packet forwarding behavior specific to individual virtual circuits rather than applying a universal forwarding rule. The packet selection agreements specify which edge devices should forward packets from which particular virtual circuits, allowing the system to maintain complete packet coverage while eliminating duplicates. Each edge device has customized forwarding behavior tailored to its role in the multi-device link aggregation, optimizing network efficiency without sacrificing coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A Provider Edge PE3 replicates a received packet and relays these to virtual circuits VC1, VC2 respectively, and Provider Edges PE2, PE2 respectively receive the packets from the virtual circuits VC1, VC2, whereupon the Provider Edges PE2, PE2, on the basis of an agreement between them, decide to handle the received packets such that one of the first edges relays the packet to a Customer Edge CE1 for forwarding to a Host A, while the other edge discards the packet without relaying it to the Customer Edge CE1.