Bit indexed explicit replication using multiprotocol label switching
AssigneeCisco Technology, Inc.
InventorsIjsbrand Wijnands, Gregory J. Shepherd, Christian J. Martin, Neale D. R. Ranns, Jesper Skriver
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Abstract
Various systems and methods for performing bit indexed explicit replication (BIER) using multiprotocol label switching (MPLS). For example, one method involves receiving a packet that includes a MPLS label. The packet also includes a multicast forwarding entry. The method also involves determining, based on the value of the MPLS label, whether to use the multicast forwarding entry to forward the packet. The method further includes forwarding the packet.
Claims17
A method performed by a node in a network of nodes, the method comprising:
- in response to receiving a packet comprising a top label that is associated with a BIER (bit indexed explicit replication) node, determining a first next-hop neighbor node;
- determining whether the first next-hop neighbor node is a BIER enabled node;
- in response to determining the first next-hop neighbor node is not a BIER enabled node:
- adding a label to the packet, wherein the added label corresponds to label switched path (LSP) between the node and an egress node of the network;
- forwarding the packet with the added label to the first next-hop neighbor node;
- identifying a BIER-enabled node along a shortest path towards the egress node.
A node comprising:
- one or more network interface cards;
- a memory configured to store instructions;
- and
- a processor configured to perform a method in response to executing the instructions stored in the memory, the method comprising:
- in response to the node receiving a packet comprising a top label that is associated with a BIER node, determining a first next-hop neighbor node;
- determining whether the first next-hop neighbor node is a BIER enabled node;
- in response to determining the first next-hop neighbor node is not a BIER enabled node:
- adding a label to the packet, wherein the added label corresponds to label switched path (LSP) between the node and an egress node of a network in which the node and the egress node are contained;
- forwarding the packet with the added label to the first next-hop neighbor node;
- identifying a BIER-enabled node along a shortest path towards the egress node.
A system comprising
- a node configured to perform a method comprising:
- in response to the node receiving a packet comprising a top label that is associated with a BIER node, determining a first next-hop neighbor node;
- determining whether the first next-hop neighbor node is a BIER enabled node;
- in response to determining the first next-hop neighbor node is not a BIER enabled node:
- adding a label to the packet, wherein the added label corresponds to label switched path (LSP) between the node and an egress node of a network in which the node and the egress node are contained;
- forwarding the packet with the added label to the first next-hop neighbor node;
- identifying a BIER-enabled node along a shortest path towards the egress node.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.