Mapping VPN Service Models to TE Tunnel Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VPN networks cannot map VPN-specific service models, such as Layer 1, 2, or 3 VPN service models, to Traffic Engineering (TE) tunnel models to establish TE tunnels that guarantee network resource constraints, as they lack a mechanism to translate attributes specified in these models into a format usable by central controllers for setting up TE tunnels.
Innovation Solution
A Customer Network Controller (CNC) and central controller system that maps VPN-specific service models to TE-specific parameters using a TE service mapping model, allowing the translation of attributes into a format usable for setting up TE tunnels, and determines whether existing TE tunnels can satisfy these parameters or requires the creation of new tunnels based on service mapping policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If VPN-specific service models are used for VPN services, then service model compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to establish TE tunnels with guaranteed network resource constraints deteriorates due to lack of mapping mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service mapping model as an intermediary layer that translates VPN-specific service model attributes into TE-specific parameters. This mediator enables the CNC to accept VPN service requests in their native service model format while simultaneously generating the corresponding TE tunnel parameters needed for resource guarantee, thus resolving the incompatibility between service model flexibility and TE tunnel requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If attributes in VPN service models are translated to TE-specific parameters, then TE tunnel establishment capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mapping mechanism requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The service mapping model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it validates VPN service attributes, translates them to TE parameters, determines tunnel sharing eligibility, and generates tunnel setup commands. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single mapping mechanism, the patent reduces overall system complexity while enhancing TE tunnel establishment capability
3Productivity
If existing TE tunnels are reused for multiple VPN services, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but tunnel configuration complexity and potential conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of service mapping policies and tunnel sharing eligibility before finalizing tunnel assignment. The CNC preemptively determines whether existing tunnels can be safely reused or if new tunnels must be created, and pre-configures the appropriate mapping rules. This advance preparation simplifies the actual tunnel setup process while maximizing resource reuse efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A customer network controller (CNC) including a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to use a virtual private network (VPN)-specific service model for a VPN service and map the VPN-specific service model to one or more traffic engineering (TE)-specific parameters. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to store a mapping between a VPN identification (ID) of the VPN service corresponding to the VPN-specific service model and a tunnel ID of either an existing TE tunnel or newly-established TE tunnel for the VPN service. The existing TE tunnel or the newly established TE tunnel satisfies the one or more TE-specific parameters.