Wireless Switching Point Multicast Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Split Plane WLAN solution struggles to support wireless IP multicast functions without relying on external PIM routers, which increases network deployment costs for enterprise customers.
Innovation Solution
The method integrates Split Plane Wireless LAN technology with existing IP Multicast PIM technology by defining an access tunnel as an IP multicast interface, sending queries, and building a data structure for multicast group membership, enabling PIM functionality on Wireless Switching Points (WSPs) without the need for additional external PIM routers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external PIM routers are deployed to support IP multicast functions in Split Plane WLAN, then multicast capability is achieved, but network deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The WSP is enhanced to perform PIM protocol functions internally, making the system self-sufficient for multicast operations without requiring external PIM router infrastructure. The WSP can now independently execute PIM-SM or PIM-SSM protocols to manage multicast traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The WSP is transformed into a multi-functional device that combines both wireless switching and PIM routing capabilities in a single unit. This universal device eliminates the need for separate external PIM routers while maintaining full multicast functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If external PIM routers are used for IP multicast, then multicast routing is supported, but integration complexity with existing networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PIM routing functionality is merged with the WSP's existing wireless switching operations. The WSP now handles both wireless frame forwarding and IP multicast routing within a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate external PIM router integration
3Ease of operation
If IGMP snoop is used for multicast group management, then basic multicast functionality is provided, but compatibility with different PIM versions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The IGMP snoop version on the WSP is made dynamic and adjustable to match the PIM version deployed in the network. The system can adapt its IGMP protocol version (v1, v2, or v3) based on the configured PIM-SM or PIM-SSM implementation, ensuring full compatibility across different multicast protocol versions
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing IP multicast over split plane wireless LAN. An access tunnel (AT) is defined as an IP multicast interface at a first network device. The AT is capable of communicating with a second network device that is an Internet Protocol (IP) multicast receiver, wherein a local Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) the first device serves the second network device's mobility VLAN. The first network device sends a query to the second network device over the AT and receiving, in response to the sending the query, a report. A data structure is built defining a multicast group membership from the report, and multicast data is forwarded in accordance with the data structure.