Self-Adjusting Repository for VPN LSP Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for determining and verifying Label Switched Paths (LSPs) in VPN networks are manual, time-consuming, prone to errors, and inefficient, especially in identifying active paths and avoiding duplicates, which hinders real-time path characterization and troubleshooting.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically discovers and maintains a repository of service level test points for VPNs by dynamically identifying active LSPs, filtering out inactive and duplicate paths, and updating the database in real-time, allowing for operator-independent path verification and optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used to determine and verify LSPs in VPN networks, then operators can identify paths, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath identification efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual path verification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-identification of LSPs by having network elements autonomously discover and report their own path information through standardized protocols, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in path verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations (operator actions) are replaced with automated electronic systems that use standardized protocols to automatically discover, verify, and maintain LSP information through programmatic interactions between network elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive path verification is performed, then accurate path information is obtained, but network bandwidth is wasted on testing inactive paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath characterization accuracyVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of active LSPs before conducting detailed verification, using initial discovery mechanisms to filter out inactive paths and prepare a refined list of candidates for actual measurement and characterization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of verifying all possible paths comprehensively, the system performs partial verification only on identified active LSPs, applying measurements and characterization only where necessary rather than exhaustively testing every potential path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If all LSPs are tested for duplicates, then duplicate paths are eliminated, but the complexity of path management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath information accuracyVSAvoidpath management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces intermediary components such as path brokers or coordination mechanisms that mediate between multiple verification sources, automatically detecting and eliminating duplicate LSP entries while simplifying the overall management complexity through centralized coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If real-time path statistics are provided, then instantaneous path characterization is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath information update speedVSAvoidreal-time monitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous monitoring and updating of path statistics through persistent connections and real-time data collection mechanisms, ensuring uninterrupted flow of path information without requiring periodic re-discovery or batch processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal protocols and multi-functional network elements that can simultaneously perform multiple tasks including path discovery, verification, statistics collection, and real-time updating, reducing overall system complexity through standardized multi-purpose components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7447167B2Method and apparatus for the creation and maintenance of a self-adjusting repository of service level diagnostics test points for network based VPNs

Publication Date: 2008.11.04 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for producing and maintaining a repository of service level test points for network based VPNs is presented. A determination is made regarding whether there is more than one Autonomous System (AS) in a network for one or more VPNs. When there is not more than one AS then next hops are found for the VPN. Next, VPN prefixes associated with the VPN are found and a set of Label Switching Paths (LSPs) in use for the VPN are produced. When the determination is that there is more than one AS then routers in the present AS associated with the VPN are found. VPN label stacks are used to find all Provider Edge (PE) routers associated with the VPN. A set of LSPs in use for the VPN is produced from the routers and the VPN label stacks