VRF Edge Device Routing for Multiprotocol Label Switching Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunications networks lack the ability to provide different exit points for different customers or peer networks entering through the same router, as all devices use the same global routing table, limiting flexibility and service options.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) tables on edge devices, allowing each interface to have a distinct routing and forwarding configuration, enabling different exit points for different customers or peer networks based on business decisions such as cost or transmission time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single global routing table is used at each router, then the network structure is simple and easy to manage, but different exit points cannot be provided to different customers or peer networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single global routing table into multiple virtual routing tables (VRFs), where each VRF maintains an independent routing table. This allows different customers or peer networks to have different routing configurations and exit points while sharing the same physical router infrastructure, thus providing adaptability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization dimension to the routing table structure by creating virtual routing instances that map to physical interfaces. This dimensional transformation allows the system to provide multiple routing perspectives (different exit points) through the same physical device, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual routing tables are implemented to provide different exit points, then service flexibility and customer-specific routing are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the router capable of multiple functions by enabling it to host multiple VRFs simultaneously. Each VRF can be independently configured for different customers or services, allowing the same device to provide customized routing services to multiple entities without requiring separate physical routers, thus improving service flexibility while managing complexity through resource sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of routing tables (VRFs) that mirror the structure and functionality of a standard routing table but operate independently. These virtual copies allow different routing configurations to coexist on the same device, providing service flexibility while the underlying copying mechanism manages the complexity through standardized virtualization patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems and methods for providing Internet access to customers of a telecommunications network through virtual routing and forwarding tables. An edge device includes both a first interface and a second interface. Traffic is received from a first network at the first interface of the edge device, the first interface being associated with a first virtual routing and forwarding table defining a first route to a destination network. Traffic from a second network is received at the second interface of the edge device, the second interface being associated with a second virtual routing and forwarding table defining a second route to the destination network. Access from the first interface to the destination network in accordance with the first route is provided, and access from the second interface to the destination network in accordance with the second route is provided, where the second route is distinct from the first route.