Abstract:
In one embodiment, a device-independent label is associated with multiple network devices such that the packet switching devices in a network will forward a packet based on the device-independent label to one of these multiple network devices. In one embodiment, these device-independent labels include, but are not limited to, domain-identifying labels and forwarding-punt labels. In one embodiment, a domain-identifying label is defined as a label that identifies a plurality of network nodes without identifying a single particular network node, single particular interface, nor single particular link. In one embodiment, a first-domain forwarding-punt label is placed at the top of the label stack to identify to forward the label-switched packet to any one of a plurality of designated forwarding nodes corresponding to the first-domain forwarding-punt label (e.g., for sending to a packet switching device which will have forwarding information for the second domain-identifying label.).
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a connectivity verification protocol (CVP) session for a particular virtual interface (VI) may operate on a particular group of two or more line cards (LCs) on a network device. The group of LCs may then transmit CVP session packets, at a reduced rate that is sufficient to maintain the CVP session based on a negotiated CVP full rate, onto the particular VI through ingress path processing on the network device. Ingress path processing, in particular, takes transmitted CVP session packets and egresses them onto an appropriate LC of the network device currently responsible for the VI egress. Also, in response to receiving CVP session packets for the VI on an LC of the network device currently responsible for the VI ingress, the receiving LC may forward the received CVP session packets to the particular corresponding group of LCs, which may then process the received CVP session packets.
Abstract:
A filtered Forwarding Information Base (FIB) (the "complete local FIB") is used to determine how to forward packets, typically on line cards. The complete local FIB is generated by filtering (i.e., dropping or removing) extraneous entries in the standard global FIB of a router. This smaller FIB is then installed within the memory of a forwarding engine, possibly implemented as a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), for use in determining how to forward packets, with the router forwarding packets accordingly.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating routing information in a data communications network. A first network element (such as a router) receives information relating to a second network element, such as another node or a network link. In response, the first network element determines whether the information relating to the second network element indicates a change in the network. When information relating to a second network element indicates a change in the network, the first network element determines a new shortest path through the network from the first network element for each network element in the network. After a delay, the first network element updates routing information for the first network element based on the new shortest path for the first network element. Preferably the delay is proportional to the distance of the first network element from the second network element.
Abstract:
A local fast reroute (FRR) technique is implemented at the edge of a computer network. In accordance with the technique, if an edge device detects a node or link failure that prevents it from communicating with a neighboring routing domain, the edge device reroutes a least some data packets addressed to that domain to a backup edge device which, in turn, forwards the packets to the neighboring domain. The rerouted packets are designated as being 'protected' data packets before they are forwarded to the backup edge device. The backup edge device identifies protected data packets as those which contain a predetermined 'service' label in their MPLS label stacks. In other words, the service label is used as an identifier for packets that have been FRR rerouted. Upon receiving a data packet containing a service label, the backup edge device is not permitted to reroute the packet a second time.
Abstract:
Method of implementing a backup path in autonomous system (AS) for failure of a first inter-AS link (210), comprising identifying an alternate inter-AS link (212) serving plurality of prefixes and constructing a tunnel.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing a shortest path first network routing path determination in a data communications network based in part on information about links that are associated as shared risk groups. Micro-loops are avoided in computing shortest path first trees by considering whether links are within shared risk link group.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, segment routing (SR) network processing of packets is performed which includes operations signalling and processing of packets in manners providing processing and/or memory efficiencies. One embodiment includes receiving a particular segment routing packet by a particular router in a network. Responsive to the particular router data plane ascertained during fast path processing by a fast path processing unit based on an Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) segment identifier of the particular segment routing packet that the particular segment routing packet is to be OAM processed by a different processing unit in the particular router, communicating the particular segment routing packet to the different processing unit, with fast path processing being hardware-based packet processing by the fast path processing unit. The particular segment routing packet is OAM processing by the different processing unit.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, segment routing (SR) network processing of packets is performed which includes operations signalling and processing of packets in manners providing processing and/or memory efficiencies. One embodiment includes receiving a particular segment routing packet by a particular router in a network. Responsive to the particular router data plane ascertained during fast path processing by a fast path processing unit based on an Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) segment identifier of the particular segment routing packet that the particular segment routing packet is to be OAM processed by a different processing unit in the particular router, communicating the particular segment routing packet to the different processing unit, with fast path processing being hardware-based packet processing by the fast path processing unit. The particular segment routing packet is OAM processing by the different processing unit.