CN101120554A

CN101120554A - Method and nodes for aggregating data traffic through unicast messages over an access domain using service bindings

Info

Publication number: CN101120554A
Application number: CNA2006800048432A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·莫内特; M·吉盖; M·朱利安; B·特伦布莱
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2005-02-14
Filing date: 2006-01-27
Publication date: 2008-02-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-27
Also published as: CN101120546B; CN101120545A; CN101120554B; CN101120544B; CN101120553B; CN101120553A; CN101120544A; CN101120546A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and nodes for performing bridging of data traffic over an access domain. For doing so, for data traffic received at an access node from a first user domain and destined to a second user domain, the access node identifies a service binding corresponding to the received data. Then, the access node tunnels the data traffic in a Unicast message addressed to an access edge node in accordance with the identified service binding. The tunnelled data traffic is then forwarded to the access edge node. The access edge node receives the tunnelled data traffic, and identifies the service binding corresponding to the received tunnelled data traffic. The access edge node then proceeds with redirecting the tunnelled data traffic to a second access node in accordance with the identified service binding therein. The redirected tunnelled data traffic is received at a second access node, where it is detunnelled and forwarded to the second user domain. The method also provides an access node and an access edge node for performing the invention.

Description

Use service binding by unicast messages aggregated data method for communicating and node on the input field

At 35U.S.C.S.119 (e) ﹠amp; 37C.F.R.S.1.78 under prioity claim

This non-temporary patent application requires the priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application of previous " multinomial order (Poly project) " and " access node-fringe node multiple agreement (AEP) (Acess node-edge nodecomplex protocol) " by name, these two temporary patent applications are respectively with Sylvain Monette, Mathieu Giguere, the name of Martin Julien and Benoit Tremblay was submitted on February 14th, 2005, has application number 60/651,971, with with Sylvain Monette, Mathieu Giguere, the name of MartinJulien and Benoit Tremblay was submitted on April 25th, 2005, has application number 60/674,307.

Technical field

The present invention relates to be undertaken method and the node of aggregation of data traffic (data traffic aggregation) by the unicast messages in the environment that relies on the service binding on the use input field.

Background technology

Seen the flourish of Internet protocol (IP) network in recent years.Its initial exploitation is used for allowing the teachers and students of university to communicate by letter in research project with the researcher and cooperates, and it has grown into the network with mass market.Nowadays, having for family and being connected of IP network, so that surfing on the World Wide Web (WWW), play interactive game, transmit IP phone, file in download and software, carry out e-commerce transaction etc., is very usual.

With reference now to Fig. 1,, the example of the current techniques of its expression IP network 100.Usually, IP network comprises input field 115, network service provider domains 140 and application service provider domains 150.Input field 115 comprises access node (AN) 120 and access network 130, such as IP network.AN120 is Network Provider, and it is provided to the access of IP network 130 can for user domain 110.User domain 110 comprises, for example subscriber equipment (UD) (such as computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant etc.), Local Area Network and WLAN (wireless local area network) (W-LAN).User domain may technology be communicated by letter with AN by multiple.Can find that in these technology dial-up connection is connected with asymmetric distribution subscribe lines on the telephone wire, the cable modem on the camera cable network connects or radio communication.Access network 130 comprises one group of separate router, and its task is that the data communication that will enter is carried out route based on the destination-address that wherein embeds.As for network service provider domains 140, they can for example IP phone service of correspondence, and application service provider domains 150 can corresponding e-bank and e-commerce transaction.

Although Fig. 1 shows three user domain, two access nodes, two service provider domain and two application service territories, IP network 100 generally includes thousands of user domain, dozens of access node, hundreds of service provider domain and application service provider domains.About access network 130, run into the network that comprises hundreds of routers usually.Thereby, being interpreted as purpose clearly, Fig. 1 shows the IP network of highly simplifying 100.

In order to ensure the coordinated exchange of data communication and message on this IP network, the early development seventies has gone out the IP agreement in 20th century.IP version 4 (IPv4) is used by the IP network of the present arrangement of major part.IPv4 adopts 32 addressing scheme, has produced 4,294,967,296 possible addresses thus, and wherein each address all is unique and directly identifies an equipment.With regard to IP network 100 as shown in fig. 1, the data link that so as you know IP network depends on based on Ethernet provides the simply transmission of data communication and message fast that runs through IP network 100.

But along with the growth of the number of devices of on IP network, communicating by letter, and some inherent restrictions of IPv4, the needs to a kind of IP redaction have been seen by the IP committee: IP version 6 (IPv6).This redaction depends on uses 128 addressing scheme, and it provides much more available address.

Although IPv6 provides much more IP address, and solved some defectives of finding in IPv4, IPv4 and IPv6 are " the best effort " agreements." the best effort " means that network does not utilize specific effort Data transmission communication to satisfy the higher or specific requirement to the needed service quality of data communication of those types.This may be enough to some Internet service providers 140 and ASP 150, but unfortunately verified this be not enough to other supplier.Thereby some Internet service providers 140 and ASP 150 can not make things convenient for the service that they are provided glibly on IP network 100.

In order to address this problem, on IP network, using Multi-Protocol Label Switch (MPLS).The agreement that MPLS depends on such as ReSerVation agreement (RSVP) is used on IP network 100 with the predetermined paths of specific service quality.RSVP at first creates a path by a series of routers.In order to create this path, each router all adds a list item to its MPLS table.The data communication that this list item is represented to arrive specific ingress port and had predetermined labels will be used corresponding output port and mark.By in IP network 100, creating such reserved path, can be wider Internet service provider 140 and ASP's 150 carry data communication.

But, growth along with Internet service provider 140 that requires the service quality higher and ASP's 150 quantity than " best make great efforts ", be accompanied by user domain 110 and allow these user domain 110 can use quantity cumulative of the required access node 120 of access network 130, MPLS can prove that it is not a good selection.

Initial principle on the IP network basis is to depend on router, and it carried out the least possible and little operation before the data communication that will enter is routed to their final purpose ground.In addition, the notion of extensively recognizing is that " the best effort " network is trading off between service quality and the data traffic.For the router of equal number, the growth of service quality can cause the data traffic transmitted on those routers still less.IP network is not designed to remember the service quality of higher level.Thereby by being the data communication establishment reserved path of more high quality-of-service on IP network, direct result is the minimizing of quantity of data traffic on those IP network.In addition, the required this reserved path of MPLS causes consuming in each router on reserved path more route work.When having only few reserved paths to be opened simultaneously, this route work is very not big, but along with the present exploitation that needs to use than " the best effort " service that service quality is higher, probable to aware is to need thousands of reserved path simultaneously on IP network.Safeguard and routing data traffic will become concerning router and more bother with so many reserved path, thereby cause the decline of the routing capabilities of the router that influenced.Therefore, current on IP network, use MPLS to improve service quality to cause the data communication that is exchanged to tail off and data communication slack-off.Such influence is unacceptable, is not all data communication of a reserved path part because they have directly influenced.

At present for IP network on subscriber equipment quantity and provide the relevant problem of service supplier's the growth of quantity of service also not have known solution.In addition, also do not identify long-term solution and provide practical and nondestructive solution with needs to special services and application raising QoS.

Therefore, should be understood that easily, in order to overcome the defective and the deficiency of existing solution, have and use service binding aggregated data method for communicating and node are advantageously effectively on input field, and more specifically, also need to use unicast messages aggregated data method for communicating and node.The invention provides such method and node.

Summary of the invention

The present invention allows thousands of network service provider domains to communicate by letter on input field with application service provider domains by using service binding effectively.Method of the present invention and node use service binding and by revising unicast messages in the enterprising row data communication polymerization of input field.

For this reason, in case receive the service request related message that is used for user domain first equipment on edge node for access, create service binding on edge node for access, method of the present invention uses service binding in the enterprising row data communication polymerization of input field.One of first equipment in this service request related message identifying user territory and service provider domain.This service binding is arranged the data communication between this user domain first equipment and this service provider domain, and it is undertaken by entrust the access node in service-user territory and edge node for access in the mode of managing the data communication on input field between them.The service binding that this method is also created to the access node notice in service-user territory, the service request related message that is used for this user domain is received.Then, this method through the following steps on access node and the edge node for access to this user domain first equipment and this service provider domain between data communication on the input field implement the service binding created: from removing the subscriber equipment MAC Address at the cocommutative unicast messages of input field between this user domain first equipment and this service provider domain; And the virtual mac address of discerning with this access node and this edge node for access replaces it.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the edge node for access of use service binding in the enterprising row data communication polymerization of input field.More precisely, in the input field of edge node for access between user domain and service supplier.Edge node for access comprises I/O unit, service agent unit and control unit.I/O unit receives the service request relevant information be used for user domain first equipment being used for service provider domain, and receives and transmit unicast messages.Service agent unit is created service binding.Data communication on the service binding domination input field between this user domain first equipment and this service provider domain.Service binding is entrusted the access node of this user domain of service and the edge node for access of expression service provider domain in the data communication between them on handling input field.Control unit is notified the establishment of this service binding to the access node in service-user territory by I/O unit, the service request related message that is used for this user domain is received, and by remove from unicast messages the subscriber equipment MAC Address and with the virtual mac address of access node and edge node for access identification replace it and on the edge node for access to input field on the service binding created of data communication enforcement between this user domain first equipment and this service provider domain.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to be used to use the access node of service binding in the enterprising row data communication polymerization of acceptance domain.This access node is between user domain and input field.This access node comprises I/O unit, polymerized unit and control unit.I/O unit is transmitted from the data communication of user domain on input field and is received service bindings related message.Aggregation unit stores and management service binding.Control unit is evaluated at the service bindings related message that receives on the I/O unit and correspondingly upgrades the service binding of being stored.Control unit is then by removing the subscriber equipment MAC Address and with the virtual mac address replacement of edge node for access it and service binding that control data communication and enforcement are stored from the unicast messages that receives from user domain.

Description of drawings

In order to understand the present invention in more detail, for additional objects and advantages of the present invention, can be in conjunction with the accompanying drawings with reference to following explanation, wherein

Fig. 1 is the example of the current techniques of IP network.

Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram that has wherein combined network of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the simplified flow chart that is used for the method for management service binding according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is schematically showing according to the edge node for access of the present invention's instruction.

Fig. 5 a represents according to the example table of the content of service agents management of the present invention and control unit.

Fig. 5 b represents according to the example table of the content of the service binding host unit of the present invention's instruction.

Fig. 6 is schematically showing according to the access node of the present invention's instruction.

Fig. 7 a shows the schematic diagram of the modification of in network the unicast messages in the data communication upstream being carried out.

Fig. 7 b shows the schematic diagram of the modification of in network the unicast messages in the data communication downstream being carried out.

Embodiment

Below with reference to different example embodiment novel teachings of the present invention is described.However, it should be understood that this class embodiment only provides the example of some favourable purposes of novel teachings of the present invention.In general, the statement in specification of the present invention do not limit of the present invention any claimed aspect.And some statements may be applicable to some inventive features, and are not suitable for further feature.In the accompanying drawings, similar or components identical all is appointed as identical reference marker in the accompanying drawings.

The invention provides and be used to use service binding aggregated data method for communicating and node effectively on input field.For this reason, introduced edge node for access in the input field between user domain and service provider domain.Edge node for access comprises management and control service broker's service agent unit.Each service broker is on the one hand corresponding to one of service provider domain, manages and control the Virtual Local Area Network on the input field on the other hand thus.When user domain wished to communicate by letter with one of selected service provider domain, a service request related message will be sent to edge node for access.This service request related message comprises the information of one of identification service provider domain and one of user domain.Edge node for access determines whether to have among the service broker one corresponding to the service provider domain that is identified in this service request related message, just creates a service binding for this service request related message that receives if any.One of this service binding identification service agency, user domain information and input field transmission primitive.Then, the establishment of notified this service binding of access node of the service user domain of filing a request, and carrying out on access node and the edge node for access the enforcement of service binding so that the data communication of polymerization between them according to the service binding of being created.Below paragraph how will to provide service broker, service binding and edge node for access and access node weave in so that the detailed explanation of management service binding.

Term " data communication " uses at whole specification, and it relates to message and the information of transmitting on data network.

In order to understand the mechanism of the present invention and its innovation, with reference now to Fig. 2, Fig. 2 shows the schematic diagram that has wherein combined network 200 of the present invention.For clarity, schematically showing of network 200 simplified, and each element of drawing is according to the similar functions grouping, rather than the network entity on the expression geographic significance.But function usually can be corresponding to carrying out these specific functions like every category, but a plurality of physical network entity of in network 200, disperseing geographically.The schematically showing of network 200 comprises user domain 110, input field 115 (comprising access node 120, access network 130, edge node for access 160 and regional network 135), Internet service provider 140 and with server 150.In the paragraph below, will continue, provide detailed description and example in these elements each with reference to figure 2.

Network 200 is corresponding to one or more data networks of communicating by letter together.Thereby network 200 can be by the operation of one or more operators.Because how data network can success communication so must define these entities and organize usually by a plurality of different application entities and/or tissue support.For this reason, use the open system interconnection (osi) model to explain and describe in detail data network usually.Osi model has defined the networking framework that carries on an agreement on seven layers.These seven layers are: 1) physical layer; 2) data link layer; 3) network layer; 4) transport layer; 5) session layer; 6) presentation layer; 7) application layer.Aspect each layer will consider when on data network, carrying out transfer of data and the action that will carry out.Use osi model to describe network 200 of the present invention, might carry out layering to some different agreements that network of the present invention used and/or supported according to following:

The 2nd layer: Ethernet, asynchronous transfer mode;

The 3rd layer: Internet protocol (IP) edition 4 and 6;

The 4th layer and the 5th layer: transmission control protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (UDP);

The 6th layer and the 7th layer: various expressions and application protocol existing and that occur in the future.

The purpose that the protocol list that it should be understood that provides top is just demonstrated, rather than the restriction agreement that the present invention supported.

With reference now to input field 115,, can be to be provided at end between user domain 110 and Internet service provider 140 and the ASP 150-with its functional overview to-device that termination is gone into.Input field comprises access node 120, access network 130, regional network 135 and edge node for access 160.Thereby input field 115 itself is not an entity; It but the set of parts, when these parts directly or indirectly were interconnected, it served as the territory that access is provided, thereby its name is " input field ".Should be clear, the current expression of input field 115 includes only an access node 120, access network 130, an edge node for access 160 and a regional network 135 and does not mean that these entities have only one in input field, but only shows such entity for purpose clearly.Following paragraph will be explained the different parts of input field more in detail.

Access node 120, it also comprises the IAD (not shown), first parts of expression input field 115.Access node 120 is commonly referred to as and inserts supplier, and it allows user domain 110 to be linked into access network 130, for example, and on subscription or basis according to use amount paying (pay-per-usage).Such access can use various mediums and technology to carry out.Possible medium is cable, land line phone and radio telephone.As for possible technology, integrated services digital network (ISDN) and ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) (ADSL), inserting of microwave whole world interoperability (WiMax) are the examples of possible technology.Yet, should be noted that, the invention is not restricted to these mediums or technology.Equally, although only show three access nodes, will be appreciated that network 200 may comprise hundreds of or thousands of access nodes.

Input field also comprises access network 130 and regional network 135, will discuss together it.The major function of access network 130 and regional network 135 provide end between access node 120 and Internet service provider 140 and ASP 150-to-end and independently transmission.Access network 130 and regional network 135 are to carry out the network of following task, such as: the data communication of polymerization, exchange and route downstream and upstream.Access network 130 preferably can use Ethernet, or corresponding to other similar agreement of the 2nd layer of osi model, but be not limited thereto.Advantageously, can support IPv4 and/or IPv6.Regional network 135 is preferred supports Ethernets and/or IP and MPLS and may other layer-3 protocol.In addition, should be realized that access network 130 and regional network 135 can be by operators or by operation of many different operators and/or management.

Access network 130 and regional network 135 by the close-coupled via their communication steerings (traffic-engineering) ability of edge node for access 160, can provide end-to the service quality (QoS) of-end.The task of edge node for access 160 is establishment, management and host (host) service broker 170 and service binding (not shown among Fig. 2, as still to figure 4 illustrates).Each service broker 170 is corresponding to one of service provider domain (140 or 150), and manages and control the VLAN on the access network 130 thus.Term " service binding " refers to the binding between one of one of user domain 110 and network service provider domains 140 or application service provider domains 150.Will be in specification the notion of edge node for access and service broker and service binding be described in more detail with reference to figure 4,5a and 5b.

Forward user domain 110 now to, the latter relies on input field 115 with the end-to-end communication of processing with Internet service provider 140 and ASP 150.Should be appreciated that in the present invention the use of term " territory " refers to the one or more network elements of share class like functional character.Therefore, in the context of the present invention, statement " user domain " refers to computer independently, the computer local network by router physics or wireless connections, radio telephone, PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) and all miscellaneous equipments that can data communication on such as the data network of network 200.In addition, statement " user domain " is intended to also comprise a plurality of simultaneous data communication session that utilizes a plurality of equipment to carry out by the unique user port.For example, the user can utilize one or more equipment, by user domain that is positioned at VLAN or the unique user port that is called " user domain " here, inserts different application and network service simultaneously, such as internet access, video conference and TV programme.

Internet service provider 140 refers to and uses input field 115 that IP addressing and being connected and supply and send the entity of application-specific to another IP network are provided.In the environment of the data communication that utilizes user domain 110, Internet service provider 140 has the IP address usually, and uses based on the identification of for example remote verification dialing user service (RADIUS) and give user domain 110 with IP address assignment.If expectation and/or needs, Internet service provider 140 can also carry out the authentication and the mandate of user class.

ASP 150 uses input field 115 supplies and delivery applications to give the terminal use of user domain 110.Examples of applications comprises recreation, video on demand, video conference and many other may use like this.But on behalf of ASP's distributing IP address, input field 115 give user domain 110.If necessary, ASP 150 also can carry out the checking of user class, and if must carry out and authorize.Should be realized that, in the following description, statement " service supplier " and " service provider domain " will be used alternatingly represents Internet service provider 140 and ASP 150 simultaneously, and one of statement " service supplier " expression Internet service provider 140 or ASP 150.

With reference now to Fig. 3,, Fig. 3 represents the simplified flow chart of the method for management service binding according to the present invention.This method is carried out management to the service binding on the input field 115, and input field 115 is transport data communications between a plurality of Internet service providers 140 and ASP 150 and user domain 110.This method is alternatively from step 300, and this step is set up a plurality of service brokers on edge node for access 160.But the step 300 that should note setting up a plurality of service brokers is not all to be performed at every turn, but just can be performed when introducing edge node for access 160 in input field 115.Then, in step 310, this method begins to receive service request related message on edge node for access 160.One of this service request related message identification service supplier and one of user domain.This service request related message may be the service supplier's that identified by the visit of the user domain that identified a webpage and producing.This method continues whether there is one corresponding to the

service supplier

140 or 150 who is identified in the service broker that step 320 identification is set up.Then, this method judges whether need a new service binding in step 330.If determination step 330 is sure, then this method continues to create service binding in step 340 for the service request related message that receives.This method proceeds to step 350, and the user domain that is identified in being responsible for to this service request related message provides the access node 120 of access to notify the establishment of this service binding.Notify access node 120 according to user domain data communication that receive and that be addressed to the service supplier that identified on input field the polymerization of the service binding of being created subsequently to from this service request related message, being identified.This method proceeds to step 360, this step comprise service binding that enforcement is created in case according to the service binding of being created be aggregated in receive on access node or the edge node for access, be used for the user domain and the data communication service supplier, that will on input field 115, transmit that are identified.If judging in step 330 does not need new service binding, this method also proceeds to step 370, to judge whether the service request related message that receives has been existed a service binding and has needed modification.If there has been a service binding in the result of determination step 370 but has not needed to revise, this method is just got back to step 310 and is waited for another service request information of reception in step 310.But if there has been a service binding in the result of determination step 370 but has needed to revise, this method just proceeds to step 380 whether to need to be removed at the corresponding existing service binding of step 380 checking.If this service binding need be removed, this method just proceeds to the step 390, notice access node this service binding of removing this service binding from edge node for access with removed step 350 and implement step 360 to the removal of this service binding.If judge that in step 380 this service binding does not need to be removed, this method proceeds to step 395, carries out there modification indicated in the service request information that receives, and this method is got back to step 350 therefrom then.The example that service binding is revised comprises to user domain and adds equipment or from its sweep equipment, revises the quality of service request and a lot of other examples, as further specifying.

As previously mentioned, service binding relates to transmission relation.One of this transmission relation is set up between one of one of user domain and service supplier, and the service broker 170 of direct service impacting access node 120 and edge node for access 160.In concept, create service binding and add VLAN to corresponding to the service provider domain on the input field corresponding to the user domain that will be discerned.Thereby each service binding can be represented tradable business entity, the payment of respective service between specific user's port that this Business Entity guarantees at user domain with correct integrality and QoS and service supplier's the specific provider ports.Service binding establishment in edge node for access, management and host, and federated service agency 170 exists.

Because service broker and service binding be in edge node for access, be created, management and host, will describe with reference to figure 2 and Fig. 4 simultaneously now, Fig. 4 is schematically showing according to the edge node for access of the present invention's instruction.In order to carry out establishment, management and hosted service agency and service task bound, edge node for access comprises a plurality of elements.Because its position in input field 115, edge node for access comprises an input-output unit, and this input-output unit comprises and is used for the input field I/O unit 410 of communicating by letter with the access network 130 and the access node 120 of input field 115.This input field I/O unit 410 receives service request related message 420.The I/O unit of edge node for access 160 also comprises and is used for the network/application service provider territory I/O unit 320 of communicating by letter with ASP 150 by regional network 135 and Internet service provider 140.In addition, edge node for access 160 comprises service agent unit 440, control unit 450, and comprises conversion table 460, retransmission unit 470, regulon 480.

Service agent unit 440 comprises service broker's management and control unit 442 and service binding host unit 444.Service agent unit 440 keeps existing service broker's 170 information in service broker's management and control unit 442.Next service broker's management and control unit 442 are responsible for the establishment and the management of service binding 446.For this reason, service broker's management and control unit 442 determine when and need new service binding 346 or when can be removed, and carry out the establishment/removal to service binding 446.Service broker's management and control unit 442 also are responsible for to existing service binding interpolation/removal subscriber equipment.In addition, service broker's management and control unit 442 also be responsible for to guarantee the synchronism of service binding 446 relevant informations and the access node mutual with it.Service agents management and control unit 442 also are responsible for when needs Multi-Protocol Label Switch (MPLS) reserved path, create such reserved path in access network 130.Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 will provide the detailed description to service agents management and control unit 442 its employed various message of every responsibility of execution.

Simultaneously with reference to figure 4 and Fig. 5 a, Fig. 5 a represents that the example table of the content of service broker's management and control unit 442 represents.Fig. 5 a is except first row each row (header line), and expression is by some service brokers' 170 of service broker's management and control unit 442 management and control example content.Each row of Fig. 5 a are the customizing messages that each service broker 170 safeguards corresponding to management and the control unit 442 by the service broker.Service broker 170 sign is shown in first tabulation.This identifies normally corresponding with service agency's numeral or service agent identifier.According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, each service broker in edge node for access has the unique service agent identifier, and a corresponding specific service provider domain 140 or 150.Secondary series refers to the sign of corresponding with service agency's particular type of service.For example, provide under the situation of a plurality of services in a

service provider domain

140 or 150, each service that is provided is relevant with different COS, so that distinguish between the various services of service provider domain.The 3rd row are designated this service provider domain and carry out the required preferred or necessary service quality (QoS) of data communication correctly with relevant COS.The exemplary criteria of QoS comprises delay, the error rate, bandwidth and preferred protocol.The 4th row refer to the port that is used for corresponding service supplier's field communication in Local Area Network.Except these contents, service broker's management and control unit 442 comprise that enough logic softwares and hardware creates additional service broker and remove unnecessary service broker.Should be realized that although express service broker's the management and the content of control unit with the form of form in Fig. 5 a, such content is not limited thereto.Service broker's management and control unit can comprise relational database, hard coded components, microprocessor and programming library etc.

Now simultaneously with reference to figure 5b and Fig. 4, Fig. 5 b represents that the example table of the content of service binding host unit 444 represents.The exemplary content of some service bindings 446 of each line display service binding host unit 444 hosts of Fig. 5 b except header line.The host's of institute the customizing messages that is used for each service binding 446 in each row corresponding with service binding host unit 444 among Fig. 5 b.First tabulation is shown by using for example respective service agency's of service broker's service agent identifier sign.Secondary series identification service type is as described about Fig. 5 a.The transmission primitive (transportprimitive) of the data communication relevant with service binding is shown in other tabulation.More specifically, medium access control (MAC) address, the 3rd row identifying user territory.The 4th row comprise the sign of the port that user domain uses on the access node of service.Any identifier of local area network (LAN) that the 5th row use corresponding to user domain, and can comprise implicit expression or explicit local vlan information.The 6th row refer to the virtual mac address of the access node of serving this user domain.Thereby each service binding 446 binds together one of one of one of service broker, user domain and access node so that the data communication between a user domain and

service provider domain

140 or 150 to be provided.Should be noted that although show the content of service binding host unit 444 with the form of form in Fig. 5 b, such content is not limited thereto.The service binding host unit can comprise relational database, hard coded components, microprocessor and programming library etc.

In addition, the service binding host unit can also comprise the 7th row, and it comprises the IP address of unique identification user domain or its user's set.This unique ip address can be access in fringe node by for example agreement of DHCP (DHCP), and the broadcast mechanism that use can be carried out before service request information offers user domain or user's set.Thereby the simple and reliable method of a kind of message that will come in and correct service binding fast correlation has been represented in the combination of service agent identifier and user domain or user's set unique ip address.Usually, in case created service binding and notified access node, and, use the information that provides in service binding host unit to be decomposed before being forwarded to corresponding service provider domain at it in the data communication of the polymerization that receives on the edge node for access according to the aggregated data communication on input field of this service binding.More precisely,, in the field that is called the VLAN mark of clean culture, multicast and broadcast, for example provide service agent identifier, and provide user domain or user's set IP address in the IP message in embedding Ethernet message if input field is an Ethernet.Service agent identifier that provides in the VLAN tag field according to Ethernet message and the IP address that in the IP message that embeds, provides, service agent unit 440 can decomposition data communication and is guaranteed that it is forwarded to corresponding service provider domain, and comprise necessary information on the user domain of transmission, for example user MAC information and its local network context.

Return the explanation to Fig. 4 now, the control unit 450 of edge node for access is responsible for when receiving service request related message 420, determines that whether it is corresponding to one of service broker.For this reason, control unit 450 counseling services proxy managements and control unit 442 are to determine that whether one of service broker 170 is corresponding to the service provider domain that is identified in this service request related message 420.If one of service broker 170 is corresponding with it, control unit 450 indication service agents management and control unit 442 are created service binding 446 for the service request related message that receives.Create service binding 446 for the service request related message 420 that receives and be included in interpolation project in the service binding host unit 444, wherein:

-service broker ID (first row) is corresponding to the service broker's corresponding with institute requested service provider domain service agent identifier;

-user MAC information is the user's set MAC Address;

User port on the-access node is the sign of the port on the access node of the service that links to each other with this user's set;

-local network context is corresponding to any identifier that provides " VLAN mark " field that is designated as of the Ethernet message that receives from user's set, and local user's relam identifier;

-access node MAC is the virtual mac address of the access node of service-user device, receives the service request related message that is used for this user's set.

Then, the establishment of the access node notification service binding 446 of the user domain that in this service request related message of service, identified by the service bindings related message 490 that sends by input field I/O unit 410 of control unit 450.If had a service binding to exist to this service request related message 420, then control unit 450 is notified the access node of the service of this existing service binding by service bindings related message 490.

Control unit 450 can also be mutual with conversion table 460.Because each service broker 170 of service agents management and control unit is by a service agent identifier unique identification, so must in conversion table, preserve service agent identifier corresponding and the mapping between the corresponding service provider domain (140 or 150) with service broker 170.Thereby, in case when input field I/O unit 410 received the corresponding data communication of the corresponding and VLAN mark of the virtual mac address of destination-address and edge node for access 160 and one of service agent identifier, control unit 450 consulting conversion tables 460 were so that the quick conversion from the edge node for access virtual mac address to destination service provider domain (the 140 or 150) address corresponding with the service agent identifier that provides the VLAN mark to be provided.

Control unit 450 is also seeked advice from retransmission unit 470, to determine whether do not carry out any modification and directly be transmitted to the service provider domain I/O unit in the data communication that input field I/O unit 410 receives.

At last, control unit 450 can be also mutual with regulon 480, carry out downstream/upstream traffic control (policing), the comment that makes marks, communicates by letter in the data communication that regulon can be received on input field I/O unit 410 and network/application service provider territory I/O unit 430, indicated or demand as the service broker 170 of correspondence.

With reference now to Fig. 6,, this figure is schematically showing according to one of access node of the present invention's instruction.Because its position is in input field 115, access node 120 comprises and is used for the input field I/O unit 610 of communicating by letter with edge node for access 160 with the access network 130 of input field 115.Access node 120 also comprises and is used for the user domain I/O unit 620 of communicating by letter with user domain 110.The type of the message that receives on input field I/O unit 610 is a service bindings related message 490.Service bindings related message 490 is to be produced and sent on access network 130 by edge node for access 160.Some examples of service binding message 490 will be provided in the explanation to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.

Access node 120 can receive and handle a plurality of service bindings related message 490.Service bindings related message 490 receives from access network 130 on access node 120 by input field I/O unit 610.In case when receiving service bindings related message 490, the input field I/O unit is forwarded to control unit 630 with the service bindings related message 490 that receives.Control unit 630 extracts the contact of service bindings related message 490, and judges whether have action to carry out.An example of service bindings related message 490 is the information relevant with the establishment of new service binding.As previously mentioned, judge that when needing a new service binding, its continues its establishment and is just notifying the establishment of this service binding to service at the access node in requesting users territory when edge node for access 160.The service bindings related message of using in this specific examples 490 is called as ADD_SB (interpolation service binding).ADD_SB message sends to access node 120 from edge node for access 160, and comprises the information of the service binding of being created.The information that comprises in the ADD_SB message must be merged in the polymerized unit 680 of access node 120 subsequently.

One of various responsibilities of polymerized unit 680 are hosted service binding relevant informations.Related information for service bindings comprises concrete service binding information (adopting the form of service broker's identity and COS), receive the sign of port of access node of service request related message and the local network context of user domain.

Access node 120 is also handled the data communication of coming in, and this data communication is derived from/is sent to user domain, and it is provided to the access service of access network 130 to this user domain.For this reason, access node 120 also comprises conversion table 650, retransmission unit 660, regulon 670, polymerized unit 680.For this reason, the data communication that is received on access node 120 by user domain I/O unit 620 or input field I/O unit 610 is forwarded to control unit 630.Control unit 630 is mutual with conversion table 650.Because each service binding of storage is by the combination of parameter (service broker's identity, COS, user's set MAC Address and access node virtual mac address) sign in the service binding host unit 444 of service agent unit 440, so must in conversion table 650, preserve service broker identity and accordingly mapping service provider domain (140 or 150) between corresponding with service broker 170.Thereby, in case when on input field I/O unit 610, receiving the corresponding data communication of the virtual mac address of destination address and access node 120, control unit 630 consulting conversion tables 650 with the quick conversion that obtains destination address and VLAN mark so that correspond respectively to the user domain MAC Address and local identifier.This conversion is essential, because do not carry user domain information on the input field between edge node for access 160 and the access node 120.

Control unit 630 is also seeked advice from retransmission unit 660 to determine whether the data communication that receives on input field I/O unit 610 or the user domain I/O unit 620 directly is forwarded to corresponding user domain 110 or access network 130 without any modification.

At last, control unit 630 can also be mutual with regulon 670.For example, when as the attribute at service binding in indicate must carry out downstream/upstream traffic control, when comment of making marks, communicate by letter, just need be mutual with regulon 670.

Described access node 120 and edge node for access 160 now in detail, the front has illustrated how aggregated data communication on input field more thoroughly.In typical Ethernet, there is three types message to be used for: unicast messages, multicast message and broadcast two exchanged between entities data communication.Unicast messages is used for exchange data traffic between a sender and recipient.Multicast message is used for from a sender data communication being sent to a plurality of recipients effectively.As for broadcast, they are used for sending a message to from a sender all nodes of network.The present invention concentrates in conjunction with unicast messages and uses service binding so that the data communication on the polymerization input field.

With reference now to Fig. 7 a and Fig. 7 b,, Fig. 7 a shows according to the present invention the modification of in network the unicast messages in the upstream data traffic being carried out.Fig. 7 b shows according to the present invention the modification of in network the unicast messages in the downstream data traffic being carried out.In this application, upstream data traffic refers to send to from user domain 110 data communication of one of service supplier 140 or 150, and downstream data traffic refers to send to from one of service provider domain 140 or 150 data communication of one of user domain 110.Fig. 7 a and 7b show the Ethernet unicast messages for serve exemplary purposes, for example illustrated unicast messages in the electric engineer in the world (IEEE) 802.3ac.Unicast messages generally includes following field: destination address (DA) 710, source address (sa) 720, type 730, VLAN mark 740 and user data 750.Destination address 710 refers to the address that this unicast messages will be gone to, and comprises 6 bytes.Source address 720 these unicast messages of expression comprise 6 bytes from which address.Type field 730 is 2 byte longs.VLAN mark 740 is 4 byte longs, only is often referred to known to destination address and the source address and also only to they significant vlan identifiers.At last, user data 750 changes between 46 to 1500, and comprises the data communication that sends to destination address 710 from source address 720.

More clearly get back to Fig. 7 a now, run through network according to the present invention from a unicast messages of subscriber equipment 110 and represent by various modifications to it.This subscriber equipment generates unicast messages 700a, and wherein: destination address 710 is corresponding to the virtual mac address of edge node for access 160, and source address 720 is subscriber equipment MAC Address, and VLAN mark 740 is corresponding to the local service identifier of subscriber equipment.The unicast messages 700a that is generated by this subscriber equipment is access in node 120 transmissions and reception, wherein carries out some modifications by control unit 630 before transmitting this unicast messages on the access network 130.More precisely, the virtual mac address that source address 720 is access in node replaces, and the VLAN mark is changed with corresponding to service agent identification.The service binding that this access node is stored from polymerized unit identifies this service agent identification.By replacing the subscriber equipment MAC Address, this access node is by reducing the performance that all-router in the access network 130 and the study in the switch and swap table have improved access network 130.Amended unicast messages 700b is sent to edge node for access from this access node at access network 130.This edge node for access receives amended unicast messages 700b, changes back source address 720 and VLAN mark 740 then so that source address in unicast messages 700c and the VLAN mark that provides at first corresponding to subscriber equipment.For this reason, edge node for access depends on the service binding information of storage in the service binding host unit 444.Unicast messages 700c sends to targeted service provider territory 140 or 150. from edge node for access 160

More clearly with reference to figure 7b, provide explanation now to the modification of the unicast messages on the downstream data traffic.Unicast messages 700d generates on service provider domain 140 or 150.The destination address of unicast messages 700d is corresponding to the subscriber equipment MAC Address, and source address equals service supplier's MAC Address, the local service identification that the VLAN mark is known corresponding to user domain.Edge node for access 160 receive unicast messages 700d and interception it so that before sending it on the access network 130, revise its content.Edge node for access 160 modifying target addresses are with the virtual mac address corresponding to the access node of serving, and revising source address is the virtual mac address of edge node for access, and replace the VLAN mark with service agent identification, so that obtain unicast messages 700e.According to existing service binding on the edge node for access 160 these modifications are carried out in the data communication between the service provider domain of recipient's subscriber equipment and transmission by edge node for access.Unicast messages 700e is sent to serving access node 120 from edge node for access 160 at access network 130.In case on access node 120, receive after the unicast messages 700e, access node 120 depend on it control unit 630 and its polymerized unit 680 discerning relative that service binding, and revise unicast messages 700e so that bring it into subscriber equipment 110 discernible patterns.For this reason, access node 120 changes destination addresses makes it corresponding to the subscriber equipment MAC Address, revises the VLAN tag field with corresponding to the known local service identification of subscriber equipment 110.

Be appreciated that modification that unicast messages is carried out only to access node 120, access network 130 and edge node for access 160 as seen.Modification to unicast messages is transparent to subscriber equipment 110 and service provider domain 140 or 150.Because create and service implementation binding on access node 120 and edge node for access 160 by edge node for access 160, so can carry out these modifications.Being stored in service binding on access node and the edge node for access has stored the unicast messages needed information of making amendment.The result of described modification comprises the polymerization by the data communication of 160 pairs of a plurality of service provider domain 140 of edge node for access or 150, and to the better management of the resource of access network 130, and can not influence user domain 110 and

service provider domain

140 and 150.

Although for example understand the several preferred embodiments of method of the present invention and node in conjunction with the accompanying drawings with the detailed description of front, but it should be understood that to the invention is not restricted to the disclosed embodiments, but under the situation that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention of describing and limiting by claims, can carry out multiplely rearranging, revising and replace.

Claims

1. one kind is used to use the method for service binding in the enterprising row data communication polymerization of input field, and this method comprises:

In case on edge node for access, receive the service request related message that is used for user domain first equipment, described service request related message identifies one of this user domain first equipment and service provider domain, on this edge node for access, create a service binding, this service binding is arranged the data communication between this user domain first equipment and this service provider domain, and it is undertaken by entrust the access node in service-user territory and edge node for access in the mode of managing the data communication on input field between them;

To the service binding that the access node notice in service-user territory is created, the service request related message that is used for this user domain is received; And

Through the following steps on access node and the edge node for access to this user domain first equipment and this service provider domain between data communication on the input field implement the service binding created:

Also replace it from removing the subscriber equipment MAC Address at the cocommutative unicast messages of input field between this user domain first equipment and this service provider domain with the virtual mac address of this access node and the identification of this edge node for access.

2. according to the method for claim 1, also comprise step:

Create a plurality of service brokers on edge node for access, each service broker is corresponding to a specific service provider domain, and therefore each service broker manages a Virtual Local Area Network on the input field.

3. according to the method for claim 2, wherein service binding has identified this user domain first equipment and corresponding to the service broker of institute's requested service provider domain.

4. according to the method for claim 3, the step of wherein implementing the service binding created also comprises the following steps:

The VLAN tag field that is modified in the unicast messages that exchanges between them is so that corresponding to the service broker's corresponding with the service binding of being created identifier.

5. according to the method for claim 4,, on access node, implement the service binding of being created through the following steps wherein for the data communication that sends to service provider domain from user domain:

The source address of revising subscriber equipment in the unicast messages is used for the virtual mac address of edge node for access;

With replacing the content of VLAN tag field in the unicast messages with the corresponding service agent identifier of the service binding of being created.

6. according to the method for claim 5, wherein amended unicast address is received on edge node for access, and before being forwarded to service provider domain, the source address of unicast messages replaces with the subscriber equipment MAC Address.

7. according to the method for claim 4,, on edge node for access, implement the service binding of being created through the following steps wherein for the data communication that sends to user domain from service provider domain:

The virtual mac address of the access node by serving this user domain is revised the destination address of the unicast messages corresponding with the user domain MAC Address; And

The content that replaces the VLAN tag field in the unicast messages with the service agent identifier corresponding with the service binding of being created.

8. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that edge node for access and access node handle a plurality of service bindings of a plurality of user domain and a plurality of service provider domain simultaneously.

9. one kind is used to use the edge node for access of service binding in the enterprising row data communication polymerization of input field, and in the input field of this edge node for access between user domain and service provider domain, this edge node for access comprises:

I/O unit is used to receive the service request related message that is used for user domain first equipment being used for service provider domain, and is used for receiving and transmitting unicast messages;

Service agent unit, be used to create service binding, the access node of this user domain of service and the edge node for access of representing this service provider domain are entrusted in data communication on the service binding domination input field between user domain first equipment and the service provider domain, service binding in the data communication between them on handling input field; With

Control unit, be used for notifying to the access node in service-user territory the establishment of this service binding by I/O unit, the service request related message that is used for this user domain is received, and be used for by remove from unicast messages the subscriber equipment MAC Address and with the virtual mac address of access node and edge node for access identification replace it and on the edge node for access to input field on the service binding created of data communication enforcement between this user domain first equipment and this service provider domain.

10. according to the edge node for access of claim 9, wherein: service agent unit is also kept a plurality of service brokers, therefore each service broker is corresponding to a service provider domain and manage a Virtual Local Area Network on the input field, and the service binding of being created comprise from this user domain first equipment to the corresponding VLAN of service provider domain that manages at input field by service agent unit.

11. according to the edge node for access of claim 10, wherein:

Service agent unit comprises service agents management and control unit and service binding host unit,

Service agents management and control unit are VLAN and establishment, modification or the removal service binding on the service provider domain management input field, and

The binding of service binding host unit hosted service; And

The control unit access node of notification service user domain also when service agents management and control unit are revised or removed service binding.

12. according to the edge node for access of claim 11, wherein:

Service broker's management and control unit are controlled a plurality of VLAN on the input field simultaneously, and each VLAN is corresponding to a service provider domain; And

The service binding host unit while, the host was used for a plurality of service bindings of a plurality of user domain and a plurality of service provider domain.

13. edge node for access according to claim 9, wherein for the unicast messages that is used for user domain from one of service provider domain that receives on I/O unit, control unit is removed the subscriber equipment MAC Address and is used the virtual mac address of access node to replace from this unicast messages.

14. according to the edge node for access of claim 13, wherein control unit is also removed the content of VLAN tag field and is used the service agent identifier corresponding with the service broker of service agent unit management to replace receiving the service provider domain of unicast messages from it.

15. edge node for access according to claim 9, wherein for the unicast messages from one of user domain that receives on I/O unit, control unit was changed destination address and address and the user domain native vlan tag field identifier of VLAN tag field to correspond respectively to this service provider domain before this unicast messages is forwarded to service provider domain.

16. one kind is used to use the access node of service binding in the enterprising row data communication polymerization of input field, this access node is between user domain and input field, and this access node comprises:

I/O unit is used on input field transmitting from the data communication of user domain and is used to receive service bindings related message;

Polymerized unit is used for stores service binding and management service binding, and this control unit is evaluated at the service bindings related message that receives on the I/O unit and correspondingly upgrades the service binding of being stored; With

Control unit is used for control data communication and the service binding by removing the subscriber equipment MAC Address from the unicast messages that receives from user domain and implementing with the virtual mac address replacement of edge node for access to be stored.

17. according to the access node of claim 16, wherein this control unit is also removed the content of the VLAN tag field of the unicast messages that receives from user domain, and use with polymerized unit on the corresponding service agent identifier of one of the service binding stored replace.

18. according to the access node of claim 16, wherein polymerized unit while host is used for a plurality of service bindings of a plurality of user domain and a plurality of service provider domain.

19. according to the access node of claim 16, wherein each service binding comprises the Virtual Local Area Network that user domain is safeguarded for service provider domain to the input field.