VxLAN Routing via Shared VNI-I-SID Mapping Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of routing VLAN or VPN tagged packets to far-end addresses of virtual forwarding instances in cloud services, particularly in environments transitioning from Ethernet to IP-based protocols, is exacerbated by the need to support multiple virtualization technologies and protocols like VxLAN and vCDNI, which require efficient multicast and broadcast while maintaining protocol integrity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves establishing VxLAN-based virtual local area networks over 802.1aq Ethernet networks by routing packets with embedded virtual local area network information and IP headers, using shared tables for virtual forwarding instances to map VxLAN IP addresses to B-MAC addresses, thereby optimizing virtualization and avoiding collisions through separate administration and mapping of VNI to I-SID values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtualization technologies (VxLAN, vCDNI) and protocols are supported simultaneously, then cloud service versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal forwarding architecture that can handle multiple virtualization technologies (VxLAN, vCDNI) and protocols simultaneously through a common infrastructure. The forwarding engine uses unified data structures and algorithms that work across different protocols, allowing the system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate processing paths for each technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested data structures where VxLAN headers, VNI identifiers, and virtual forwarding instance information are embedded within packet structures. The system nests multiple layers of virtualization headers and routing information, allowing complex multi-protocol packets to be processed through hierarchical lookup tables and forwarding rules.
2Reliability
If proprietary headers and formats are preserved intact, then protocol integrity is maintained, but routing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary forwarding layer that preserves proprietary headers intact while enabling flexible routing. The system uses intermediate data structures such as virtual forwarding instance tables and VNI-to-I-SID mapping tables that act as mediators between the preserved proprietary packet formats and the routing decisions, allowing routing flexibility without disturbing tenant system headers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments packet processing into distinct stages: header preservation, VNI extraction, virtual forwarding instance identification, and routing decision. This segmentation allows proprietary headers to remain intact while separate processing paths handle routing flexibility through I-SID mapping and virtual forwarding tables.
3Reliability
If separate administrations are used for VNI and I-SID mapping, then virtualization robustness is improved, but state management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges VNI and I-SID mapping operations into a unified virtual forwarding instance lookup process. The system combines separate administration of VNI and I-SID into a single integrated data structure that performs both mappings simultaneously, reducing state management complexity while maintaining the robustness of separate administrations through the unified lookup table.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A process is implemented in a network element of a packet data to route packets with embedded virtual local area network information and an IP header to far end addresses of virtual forwarding instances. The method receiving a frame including an embedded virtual network identifier (VNI). The VNI is looked up to identify a virtual forwarding instance (VFI), the VFI having a correlated an I-Component Service Identifier (I- SID) and an internet protocol (IP) to backbone media access control (B- MAC) table that is shared with a set of VFIs each having correlated I-SIDs. The VFI resolves an IP address of the frame to a B-MAC address using the shared IP to B-MAC resolution table and encapsulates the frame with the I-SID and B-MAC; and the frame is then sent to the remote B-MAC address.