CN100492987C - Domain configuration in an Ethernet oam network having multiple levels - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a domain configuration system and method operable in an Ethernet OAM network having multiple levels of OAM domains. A port of a first end bridge of the network is configured as a first MEP node belonging to a predetermined OAM domain having a particular level. GARP or CC frames are transmitted from the first MEP node in a forward attribute registration process towards the remaining bridges of the network. A port of a second end bridge of the network is configured as a second MEP node of the predetermined OAM domain. In a backward attribute registration process, GARP or CC frames are transmitted from the second MEP node towards the remaining bridges of the network. Responsive to the frame flow, ports in bridges disposed between the first and second end bridges are automatically configured as MIP nodes having the particular level.

Description

Has the territory configuration in a plurality of grades the ether operation management maintain network

The cross reference of related application

This non-interim application requires the priority based on following U.S. Provisional Patent Application formerly: (i) application number of submitting on July 8th, 2004 with the name of David Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Kamakshi Sridhar, Maarten PetrusJoseph Vissers and Tony Van Kerckhove is that 60/586,248 application " OAM DOMAIN CONFIGURATIONUSING GARP (GENERICOAM REGISTRATION PROTOCOL-GORP) " (is adopted GARP (general purpose O AM log-in protocol-GORP) the configuration of OAM territory).Introduce application in this its content by reference.

The disclosed theme of the application relates to disclosed theme in following common all pending application applications: (i) application number of submitting on December 28th, 2004 with the name of David Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Kamakshi Sridhar, Maarten PetrusJoseph Vissers and Tony Van Kerckhove is 11/023,784 application " ALARM INDICATION ANDSUPPRESSION (AIS) MECHANISM IN AN ETHERNET OAMNETWORK " (the alarm indication in the ether OAM network and inhibition (AIS) mechanism); And the application number of (ii) submitting on December 22nd, 2004 with the name of David Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Kamakshi Sridhar, Maarten Vissers and Tony Van Kerckhove is 11/020,898, the lawyer is filed number is the application " AUTOCONFIGURATION OF ETHERNET OAM POINTS " (the automatic configuration that ether OAM is ordered) of 1285-0150US.Content in these these patent applications is introduced the application by reference.

Technical field

Relate generally to ether OAM network of the present invention.More specifically, and not in the mode of any restriction, the present invention focuses on the system and method in the configuration OAM territory in having multistage ether OAM network.

Background technology

For known ethernet technology is applicable in the carrier wave level service environment, developed various standards, its target is to pass through improved Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) ability (being also referred to as Ethernet connective and fault management or Ethernet CFM) is provided on whole network.Because the end-to-end service network environment typically includes tissue, Virtual network operator and the service provider's that may belong to different panoramic different composition networks (componentnetwork) (for example adopting the metropolitan area Access Network and the core net of various technology), therefore ether OAM plane is considered as the domain space of hierarchical classification, wherein defines specific OAM territory corresponding to constituting network (constituentnetwork) infrastructure and setting.Especially, at this by with reference to two standard IEEE 802.1ag that focus on end-to-end ether OAM specially and the ITU-T (problem 3 introduced, seminar 13) defined the territory of user class in the superlative degree of hierarchy, one or more quotient fields (having taken an intergrade) that provide are provided for it, and each provides the quotient field to comprise successively again to be deployed in one or more provider domains of the level of lower hierarchy.By normalized mode, the OAM domain space can be divided to a plurality of level, 8 levels for example, the domain of definition is wherein come according to flow point (flow point) corresponding to a specific level in each territory.In the context of IEEE 802 line of specifications, the flow point is to be contained in the novel entities in the defined medium access control (MAC) " interface " and " port " in the relevant criterion document.The flow point at edge, OAM territory is called " maintaining end point " or MEP.In the territory and for the visible flow point of MEP, be called " Maintenance Intermediate Point " or MIP.When the system manager was used for the MEP node to initiate and monitors OAM activity (by issuing suitable OAM frame), the MIP node received passively and flows in response to the OAM that is initiated by the MEP node.OAM territory with one or more MIP nodes is by two or more MEP node bindings, wherein " maintenance entity " (ME) is defined as and comprises the one group of MIP node that is deployed between a MEP node and another MEP node.Therefore, in a specific OAM territory, can have ME more than one.

In order suitably to filter OAM frame stream,, need the MEP/MIP family of correct configuration ether OAM network so that these frame streams are only handled by the domain node of expection.According to Current Standard, absolute OAM level coding adopts integer value to represent the special domain level.In addition, be necessary for each its territory level of MIP node manual configuration of given layer, so that support correct OAM operation.Yet particularly in the network with many levels and a large amount of MIP nodes, manual configuration not only expends time in but also make mistakes easily.No matter,,, then might destroy safety owing to the leakage of OAM frame between the territory if perhaps the MEP node breaks down if disposed wrong territory level mistakenly for the MIP node for any reason.

Summary of the invention

On the one hand, the invention discloses the territory configuration-system and the method for the Ethernet OAM network that is used to have multistage OAM territory.With a port arrangement of the first terminal bridge of network is a MEP node that belongs to the predetermined OAM domain with a specific order.In forward direction attribute logging process, send GARP or CC frame from a MEP node all the other bridges to network.With a port arrangement of the second terminal bridge of this network is the 2nd MEP node of predetermined OAM domain.In the attribute logging process, send GARP or CC frame in the back from the 2nd MEP node all the other bridges to network.In response to this frame stream, the port arrangement that automatically will be deployed in the bridge between the first terminal bridge and the second terminal bridge is the MIP node with a specific order.

On the other hand, the present invention focuses on exercisable network bridge entity in the Ethernet with multistage OAM territory.Also comprise in the bridge and be used for the configuration association port as the device that belongs to the MEP node of predetermined OAM domain with a specific order.Also comprise and be used for producing the one group of GARP being used for sending to all the other ports of network bridge entity from this port or the device of CC frame in the attribute logging process.When using the GARP frame, provide OAM level information as property value.Selectively, if used the CC frame, then in OAM level field, comprise level information about this a specific order.

Description of drawings

Introduce in this manual and form this specification part description of drawings one or more at present preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention.According to following relevant with claims and with reference to the detailed description that accompanying drawing carried out, be appreciated that various advantages and features of the present invention, wherein:

Fig. 1 has described the embodiment of the end-to-end ether OAM network with a plurality of OAM territory;

Fig. 2 has described about the exercisable exemplary hierarchical OAM of end-to-end Ethernet and has divided layered scheme;

Fig. 3 has described the exemplary embodiment by the OAM territory of a pair of MEP node binding;

Fig. 4 is the flow chart that is used at the collocation method in multistage Ethernet configuration OAM territory according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 has described the exemplary GARP frame structure that is used for territory of the present invention allocation plan according to an embodiment;

Fig. 6 is the flow chart of an embodiment that adopts the territory collocation method of GARP frame;

Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 B show in having the exemplary Ethernet of a plurality of bridges an embodiment based on the territory collocation method of GARP;

Fig. 8 has described the exemplary CC frame structure that is used for territory of the present invention allocation plan according to another embodiment;

Fig. 9 has described the flow chart of an embodiment of the territory collocation method that adopts the CC frame.

Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B show in having the exemplary Ethernet of a plurality of bridges an embodiment based on the territory collocation method of CC; And

Figure 11 A and 11B show the level of the MIP node that is used for territory of the present invention allocation plan and distribute step.

Embodiment

Referring now to how to realize best and use various example of the present invention to describe embodiments of the invention.Use identical reference number to represent identical or corresponding part in several views of whole specification and accompanying drawing, wherein various elements are not necessarily drawn in proportion.Now, with reference to accompanying drawing, and more specifically with reference to Fig. 1, shown in the figure is an embodiment with the end-to-end ether OAM network 100 in a plurality of OAM territory, wherein can provide the territory allocation plan according to an aspect of the present invention.As shown in the figure, ether OAM network 100 comprises the hierarchical classification network environment, and it comprises first local network of users 102A and second local network of users 102B that forms its terminal part, and it is connected to core transmission network 108 successively by each Access Network 106A and 106B.Though an independent service provider can manage the setting of two end-to-end services between the user, in fact one or more operators can participate in providing and safeguarding the basic network facility.Therefore, Access Network and core net can comprise various network, transmission technology and agreement, are used for realizing between terminal use's network 102A and terminal use's network 102B the service of end-to-end carrier wave level Ethernet.For example, these different technologies can comprise Ethernet based on SONET/SDH, based on the Ethernet of ATM, based on the Ethernet of Resilient Packet Ring (RPR), based on the Ethernet of Multi-Protocol Label Switch (MPLS), based on the Ethernet of Internet Protocol (IP), or the like.

The suitable Delivery Function of employing such as bridges and switches is with the heterogeneous networks part and the interconnection of formation section thereof of ether OAM network 100.According to diagram, entity 111, entity 110 and entity 120, entity 121 are the examples that are deployed in the subscriber equipment among corresponding user network 102A and the user network 102B.Similarly, utilize corresponding user equipment 110 and subscriber equipment 120, the entity 112 of Access Network 106A and Access Network 106B and entity 118 are exercisable for interface.Interface between Access Network 106A, Access Network 106B and the core net 108 is realized by entity 114 and entity 116 respectively.Except interface entities, particular network can comprise a plurality of additional entities in this network.For example, entity 115, entity 117 and entity 119 are the exemplary apparatus in the core net 108, wherein can realize a little arriving the operation of multiple spot.

As " background technology " part of present patent application mentioned, will logically be divided into a plurality of OAM territory of prescribed fractionated such as the ether OAM architecture of the end-to-end carrier wave level Ethernet service network of the hierarchical classification the Ethernet 100 with territory level.Ether OAM network 100 about Fig. 1, provided user domain 103, the example of the quotient field 105 and one or more provider domain 107A-107C is provided, each territory wherein is by a plurality of MEP node bindings, and comprises the one or more MIP nodes that are configured between these nodes.The MEP node is exercisable, and initiating various OAM order and related frame, for example continuity verification (CC), route tracking (TraceRoute), Ping or the like, while MIP node receive based on territory level compatibility and passively in response to the OAM frame of arrival.

Those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize, utilizes MEP and MIP to be provided with, and can realize the static division of ether OAM network, so the MEP node can delimit the border in disjoint Ethernet territory, so that reduce the leakage of OAM frame from a territory to another territory.That is to say that the OAM frame of intending being used for a territory must be stayed this territory and handle, and all other OAM frames are filtered.In addition, MEP and MIP node can be set in ether OAM network, so that can define a plurality of manageable maintenance entities (ME) territory according to professional and service model and deployment environment.Because the hierarchical arrangement in OAM territory, therefore the territory with user class is deployed in than on the level in the higher hierarchy in service provider territory, and the service provider territory is deployed in successively than on the higher level in the territory of carrier-class.Therefore, aspect observability and cognizable property, the territory of carrier-class has the OAM observability higher than the territory of service provider level, and the territory of service provider's level has the observability higher than the territory of user class again successively.Therefore, although operator OAM territory is not only understood the service provider territory but also understood user domain, be not that vice versa.Similarly, user domain is understood in the service provider territory, but is not that vice versa.

As described in above-cited IEEE 802.1ag specification documents, when the Ethernet packet/frame when a territory level moves to another territory level, various rule constrains the processing to this Ethernet packet/frame.The MEP node is exercisable, and the OAM frame being published to all other MEP nodes on this level/OAM territory, and the MIP node can only carry out with the MEP node in its territory alternately.Each MIP node on the higher territory level also can be operating as the MEP node that is used for next following hierarchical layer.Therefore, an independent Delivery Function equipment (for example bridge) can have MIP not at the same level and MEP node simultaneously.Because deciding grade and level i is given in the not binding of OAM stream, i=1,2 ..., the frame on the N is still in this level.According to the territory level that is assigned to the MEP node of initiating the OAM frame, the level of this OAM frame is encoded.In addition, be in the MIP/MEP node processing of the same one-level under the following situation or abandon the OAM frame: (i) when the OAM frame be when outside instant OAM territory, initiating, abandon this OAM frame; And (ii) when the OAM frame be when in instant OAM territory, initiating, handle this OAM frame.Because the graded properties of OAM observability, from the frame of more rudimentary maintenance field (for example operator) by the MEP/MIP node transfer pellucidly that is deployed in higher territory level (for example user).On the other hand, the OAM frame in higher territory (for example frame of being initiated by the MEP node of user class) is usually by more rudimentary MEP/MIP node processing (for example node of carrier-class).

Fig. 2 has described about the exercisable exemplary hierarchical OAM of end-to-end Ethernet the network in Fig. 1 100 and has divided layered scheme 200, and wherein a plurality of ethernet bridges are shown the Delivery Function that has a plurality of MIP/MEP nodes on different territory levels.Reference number 202-1 and reference number 202-9 are meant the customer bridge equipment that is deployed in the network two ends.Two carrier network operator-A and operator-B are deployed between subscriber equipment 202-1 and the subscriber equipment 202-9, and wherein operator-A network packet purse rope bridge 202-2 is to bridge 202-4, and operator-B network packet purse rope bridge 202-5 is to bridge 202-9.In user class, the OAM territory is respectively by the MEP node 204-1 that realizes on customer bridge equipment 202-1 and customer bridge equipment 202-9 and MEP node 204-2 binding, and this OAM territory comprises two MIP node 206-1 and the MIP node 206-2 that realizes respectively on operator-A bridge 202-2 and operator-B bridge 202-8.Disposing two MEP node 208-1 and the MEP node 208-2 also on operator-A bridge 202-2 and operator-B bridge 202-8, realize respectively, its binding service provider level OAM territory under user class MIP node 206-1 and the user class MIP node 206-2.In this territory, be connected with another MIP node 210-2 that on operator-B bridge 202-5, realizes by interface at the MIP node 210-1 that realizes on operator-A bridge 202-4.The territory of two carrier-class is defined as corresponding to two carrier networks, wherein carrier-class territory of carrier-class MEP node 212-1 (realizing on operator-A bridge 202-2) and carrier-class MEP node 212-2 (realizing on operator-A bridge 202-4) binding, and carrier-class MEP node 216-1 (realizing on operator-B bridge 202-5) and carrier-class MEP node 216-2 (realizing on operator-B bridge 202-8) bind another provider domain.In addition, MIP node 214-1 to MIP node 214-4 is deployed in the territory of the carrier-class that defines by MEP node 212-1 and MEP node 212-2, wherein bridge 202-2 realizes MIP node 214-1, and bridge 202-3 realizes that MIP node 214-2 and MIP node 214-3 and bridge 202-4 realize MIP node 214-4.Similarly, MIP node 218-1 to MIP node 218-6 is deployed in the territory of the carrier-class that defines by MEP node 216-1 and MEP node 216-2, wherein bridge 202-5 realizes MIP node 218-1, bridge 202-6 realizes MIP node 218-2 and MIP node 218-3, bridge 202-7 realizes MIP node 218-4 and MIP node 218-5, and last bridge 202-8 realizes MIP node 218-6.

Based on the discussion of front, clearly an independent network entity can be exercisable, to be provided with according to its configuration and OAM service, realizes one or more MIP/MEP nodes on different levels.By diagram, can see that bridge entity 202-2 has realized processing and the logic of user class MIP node 206-1, service provider's level MEP node 208-1, carrier-class MEP node 212-1 and carrier-class MIP node 214-2.Therefore, the representative of the physical equipment of Ethernet flat, " vertical compression " (vertically-compressed) layer, it can logically expand to the level of a plurality of hierarchies, wherein in any one-level, can with the OAM territory abstract be series connection by a plurality of MIP nodes of a plurality of MEP node bindings.Basically, Fig. 3 has described such exemplary embodiment in the OAM territory 300 that comprises MIP node 304-1 to the MIP node 304-N that is bound by a pair of MEP node 302-1 and MEP node 302-2, and it has represented a special case of point-to-point operation.Will be appreciated that, under the situation of point-to-multipoint, provide more than two MEP to bind an OAM territory (that is for example seen is such) in the core net part 108 of Fig. 1.

Mention that above the MEP node is exercisable, with initiate to be used in realize in the end-to-end Ethernet such as find, connectively confirm, the stand-by period/Loss Rate measures, postpones the various OAM frames of OAM service function such as measure of the change.In general, issue OAM frame on the basis of the virtual connection of every Ethernet (per-EVC), and the OAM frame is considered as user data frame, but by adopting (i) to be used for some predetermined multicast address that OAM finds and some the predetermined EtherType (EtherType) that (ii) is used for OAM is distinguished the OAM frame.Equally, since Ethernet as connectionless transmission technology have grouping can be sent to do not need in the network or should not receive these groupings different entities characteristic (for example, when MAC Address is the unknown), therefore will also be encoded to wherein based on the OAM barrier or the filter in territory.Can be referring to the U.S. Patent application of following common unsettled common transfer about other details of Ethernet OAM hierarchy and OAM territory level: (i) with David Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Kamakshi Sridhar, the application number that the name of M aarten Petrus Joseph Vissers and Tony Van Kerckhove was submitted on December 28th, 2004 is " ALARM INDICATION ANDSUPPRESSION (AIS) MECHANISM IN AN ETHERNET OAMNETWORK " (the alarm indication in the ether OAM network and inhibition (AIS) mechanism) of 11/023,784; And the application number of (ii) submitting on December 22nd, 2004 with the name of David Elie-Dit-Cosaque, Kamakshi Sridhar, Maarten Vissers and Tony Van Kerckhove is 11/020,898 " AUTOCONFIGURATION OF ETHERNET OAMPOINTS " (the automatic configuration that ether OAM is ordered).Quote these patent applications at this and introduce the application by reference.

Fig. 4 is the flow chart that is used at the general configuration method in the multistage Ethernet configuration OAM territory with a plurality of bridge entities according to an embodiment of the invention.In square frame 402, configuration the one MEP node on a port of the terminal bridge of network, wherein the network manager preferably manually is configured to a MEP node belong to predetermined OAM domain with a specific order (for example the territory of the territory of user class, provider's level or the territory of carrier-class, or the like).(for example from a MEP node) achieve frame stream on first direction is used for sending OAM level information (square frame 404) at network.Then, on the port of the second terminal bridge that belongs to network, dispose the 2nd MEP node (square frame 406) with a specific order.(for example from the 2nd MEP node) achieve frame stream on second direction is used for sending OAM level information (square frame 408) at network.In response to this frame stream, one or more ports of middle bridge automatically are configured to be deployed in MIP node between the first and second MEP nodes, wherein based on the level information of carrying in this bidirectional frame stream, be these MIP nodes distribution OAM levels (square frame 410).According to description of the invention, for carrying out territory configuration, be operable as the CC frame that the frame that carries OAM level information can comprise Generic Attribute Registration Protocol (GARP) frame GARP state machine engine functional of bridge place (thereby require) or comprise the OAM level field of a separation.In addition, before start frame stream on the either direction is used to send OAM level information, can dispose the MEP node together.To illustrate these embodiment below in more detail now.

Therefore as everyone knows, GARP provides general attribute distribution capability, and based on the equipment in the network of bridge, promptly terminal website and bridge (or with free burial ground for the destitute say so switch) can be conciliate the registration property value by registering each other.By doing like this, attribute is propagated into equipment in the network, make registered devices form accessible tree structure, it is the subclass of effective topology.The GARP that formation IEEE802.1p expands to the part of its 802.1d (generating tree) standard has defined architecture, operation rules, state machine and the variable that is used to register reconciliation registration property value.In general, the GARP participant in the bridge comprises GARP application component and a GARP information declaration (GID) assembly that is associated with each port of this bridge.Propagating (GIP) assembly for the propagation of the information between the same GARP of the being applied in participant in the bridge by GARP information carries out.Be adopted as related GARP and use defined group of MAC Address and protocol Data Unit (PDU) form, by between logic link control (LLC) the Class1 service GARP participant agreement exchange taking place.

According to description of the invention,, provide OAM level information as the property value that is used for propagating at ether OAM network for carrying out the territory configuration.In the context of the present invention, territory configuration preferably includes following operation: (i) OAM flow point in the middle of the configuration (being the attribute of specific OAM level of the MIP node in territory) automatically; (ii) in network, place MIP on the correct position; And (iii) on the border in territory, place automatic MEP node or A-MEP node to avoid the frame leakage.

Fig. 5 has described the exemplary GARP frame structure that is used for territory of the present invention allocation plan according to an embodiment.Reference number 500 is meant the GARP PDU frame with N eight hytes that are used to carry a plurality of message 512-1 to 512-N.The agreement ID510 of 2 bytes has identified the GARP agreement.The border of end mark field 516 as GARP PDU frame 500 is provided.In one implementation, provide unique id field 514, be used to distinguish, so that avoid the incipient fault that causes by the border MEP that breaks down from two frames of same area not.As everyone knows, if the border MEP in any territory breaks down, then this fault will make network be subjected to destruction (because frame leak) on the safety potentially easily.For example, on the network-network interface between two operators (NNI), if binding the MEP node of two different operators breaks down, then the GARP frame might flow out by the border, if and operator has identical level, then can merge the provider domain of two separation mistakenly, thereby form an independent territory, and network management system not sent alarm.Therefore, the unique id field 514 similar to the UUCSIID identifier of 32 bits in the 802.1ag CC frame is used for identifying uniquely the service examples (globally-recognized Service Instance) that generally acknowledge in the whole world, thus provide reliable method determine the GARP frame be in provider domain, initiate or initiation outside provider domain.If frame is outside the generation, then unique ID value 514 will not match with the value that is associated with operator in this frame, and this will make external frame be dropped.Finally, leakage can have been taken place to network management to show in alarm propagation in the territory.

Continuation is with reference to figure 5, and reference number 502 is meant the independent message structure with a plurality of eight hytes, and it has attribute type field 518 and an attribute list field 520 that comprises a plurality of attributes of 1 byte.Attribute type 518 is exercisable, with the attribute of definition such as group attribute or service request attribute.The Exemplary attributes list structure 504 that will have K eight hytes is shown M attribute 522-1 to 522-M.The border of end mark field 524 as attribute list structure 504 can be provided once more.The attribute structure 508 of 3 eight hytes comprises attribute length field 526, attribute event field 528 and attribute value field 530.Attribute length 526 has defined the length of particular community.Attribute event 528 has defined a plurality of GARP operator, is used to realize various GARP operations: [0] expression Leave_All operator (for example being used to separate attribute of registration); [1] expression Join_Empty operator; [2] expression Join_In operator (for example being used to register an attribute); [3] expression Leave_Empty operator; [4] expression Leave_In operator; And [5] expression Empty operator.Property value 530 is included in the value of the OAM territory level that disposes for special domain in the Ethernet.

With reference now to Fig. 6,, the flow chart of an embodiment of the territory collocation method of the GARP of employing shown in it frame.Basically, universal scheme is included in OAM configuration and realizes GARP in using, and this application is used for defining the scope of predetermined OAM domain and border and distributes specific OAM level to the node that is included in this territory.Following situation is should note in the exemplary realization in the arrangement scene of typical territory:

2 class flow points of-needs configuration: MIP and MEP.

Where the edge that-one independent director (being the network manager) understands special domain will be positioned at.Is the port arrangement that will be designated edge port the MEP node.

-according to example, on each territory level, can have only a keeper at this grade configuration MEP node.In addition, the keeper can operate, and is used for certain grade MEP node with configuration manually, promptly distributes specific OAM level and determines its MEID to the MEP node.In general, there is no need between the keeper, to carry out alternately.

-when the keeper has activated MEP when functional on edge bridges (bridge that promptly has edge port), also just activated the GARP state machine engine related with it, be used to send the part of GARP frame as the attribute logging process.After configuration MEP node, need the middle MIP node of configuration automatically.

For the disclosure of explanation this patent, now utilize aforementioned implementation framework as a setting, be described below the OAM log-in protocol that can be described as general purpose O AM log-in protocol (GORP) based on GARP.When a port arrangement that will be deployed in the first terminal bridge in the network be have predetermined domain certain the level (for example, the level X) a MEP node time (square frame 602), the GARP state machine engine (SME) that is associated with this end bridge produces the GARP frame, be used for sending at forward direction attribute logging process all the other ports to this end bridge, these remaining port statements (D) are for having the node of identical OAM level (level X).Equally, the GARP frame that carries OAM level information propagates into next bridge that it is coupled by physical link (promptly by the link between bridge) from the first terminal bridge.When the port on this next bridge receives the GARP frame of the value of carrying the OAM level by this link, the value of the level of this port registration (R) this port.Afterwards, the OAM level property value on all the other ports of GARP logic state machine statement (D) this bridge of reception bridge.This process lasts till till the second terminal bridge that arrives this territory, thereby the port registration (when receiving the GARP frame via physical link) or the statement (when receiving the GARP frame by the bridge structure) of other bridge entity in this territory is the part (square frame 604) of forward direction attribute logging process.In square frame 606, with a port arrangement of the second terminal bridge (for example configuration manually) have specific OAM level for belonging to the 2nd MEP node of predetermined OAM domain of (i.e. grade X).Then, in response to this, begin another attribute logging process to all the other ports of this second terminal bridge and all the other second terminal bridges in this OAM territory with opposite direction from the 2nd MEP node, thereby register (R) or statement (D) these ports (square frame 608) once more.These ports (R) if during the attribute logging process, not only stated (D) but also registration in forward direction and back, then will be deployed in the MIP node that Centronics port in the different bridges between the first terminal bridge and the second terminal bridge automatically is configured to the specific OAM level of having of ME (i.e. level X), this ME is by a MEP node and the 2nd MEP node definition in this OAM territory.In other words, after realizing the attribute logging process, the MIP node (square frame 610) that the Centronics port of D and R situation or R and D situation is configured to have selected OAM level.In addition, as the part of the selected parts method of GARP, configured port automatically, the certain port in this this territory of port is configured to filter the boundary node of OAM frame.Therefore, can automatically will only state (promptly being appointed as the port of DD) in two kinds of attribute registration processes and belong to the bridge (being the MIP node) with port of being appointed as DR/RD, be to compare the MEP (being automatic MEP or A-MEP) (square frame 612) of the ability group with minimizing with the complete MEP node of definition ME with this port arrangement.Although the A-MEP node does not resemble complete MEP, can not initiate any OAM business, its filtering function is exercisable, enters or leave this OAM territory to avoid the OAM frame.

Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 B show in having the exemplary ethernet network 700 of a plurality of bridges an embodiment based on the territory collocation method of GARP.Reference number 702-1 to 702-7 is meant seven bridges that will dispose special domain thereon of network 700, and each bridge all has corresponding GARP state machine 704-i, i=1, and 2 ..., 7.On the port one (being P1) of bridge 1 (B1) 702-1, manually the MEP node configuration is had specific OAM level for the belonging to predetermined OAM territory of (i.e. level 1).Therefore, the P1 statement (D) with the first terminal bridge B1702-1 is the node with level 1.In response to this, the GARP state machine engine 704-1 related with it helps to comprise the transmission of OAM level information as the GARP frame 706 of property value.In one implementation, can off and on this GARP frame be carried out multicast by network.Point out the front, when receiving the GARP frame by the bridge structure, about property value statement receiving port.Therefore, with all the other ports of bridge 702-1, i.e. P2 to P4 statement (D) is the node with OAM level 1.When the P3 of bridge 2 (B2) 702-2 received GARP frame 706 by physical link, it triggered registration, and correspondingly registered (R) this port.Afterwards, the GARP SME 704-2 that is associated with bridge 702-2 helps the multicast of GARP frame 708 to send, and GARP frame 708 is propagated into all the other ports (P1, P2 and P4) and propagates into next bridge is on the B3704-3.Remainder by network 700 is carried out the attribute logging process in a similar manner, till arriving terminal bridge B7 702-7.

In Fig. 7 B, show the back to the attribute logging process, the 2nd MEP node that is configured to have the territory of OAM level 1 by the P1 with B7 702-7 (i.e. the second terminal bridge) is initiated this back to the attribute logging process.In response to this, by another group GARP frame (by frame 720,722,724 and 726 examples) of network 700 cascades, till frame 726 arrives B1702-1.Similar with said process, except the statement/registration of front, also to state each port in (D) or registration (R) network.Therefore, after carrying out the attribute logging process, the port P1 of B1702-1 and B7 702-7 is configured to two MEP nodes, and all the other ports of network 700 are appointed as DR/RD or are appointed as DD.The port that will not only carry out statement but also carry out registering (DR or RD) automatically is configured to the MIP node of OAM level 1, and in network 700, these ports comprise P2 and the P1 of P3, B3 702-3 and P1 and the P4 of P4 and B5 702-5 of B2 702-2.In addition, in comprising the bridge OAM of DR/RD port, will only carry out in two kinds of attribute registration processes stating that the port arrangement of (promptly being appointed as DD (or being appointed as D simply)) is the A-MEP node of OAM level 1.Therefore, shown in network 700 in, configuration A-MEP node on the P2 of the P2 of the P1 of B2 702-2 and P4, B3 702-3 and P3 and B5 702-5 and P3.Can come the port that does not participate in disposing the territory is separated registration by periodically sending GARP message that (for example every 10-15 sends once second) have the Leave_All attribute event.Such message is exercisable, to make the port of not planning its attribute (being the OAM level) is separated registration refresh its login state forcibly by sending GARP frame (Join message).The node that registration is separated in plan does not send the Join message frame, thereby is removed from this territory by the GARP definition.

Fig. 8 has described the exemplary CC frame structure 800 of an embodiment who is used for territory of the present invention allocation plan.A plurality of fields and version field 814 and reserved field 816 such as target MAC (Media Access Control) address 802 and source MAC 804, virtual lan (VLAN) EtherType 806, VLAN label 808, OAM EtherType 810 and OAM level field 812 are provided.Therefore, though not shown such as fields such as preamble field, back synchronization field, Cyclic Redundancy Check field, UUCSIID identifier fields among Fig. 8, these fields also can be included in the CC frame 800.The specific optional type lengths values (tlv) field 820 of command code 818 and a plurality of command code is included in the CC frame 800, is used to provide additional information.Can see in more detail that below the OAM level information in the CC frame can be used for being similar to the territory allocation plan of above-mentioned GORP scheme based on GARP.Those of ordinary skill in the art will be appreciated that, although the GORP scheme need be on each network bridge instantiation GARP state machine, meeting the territory configuration-system that is used for additional function on the bridge of 802.1ag, do not have special requirement based on CC.

Fig. 9 has described the flow chart of an embodiment of the territory collocation method that adopts the CC frame.Be similar to aforementioned GORP scheme, by the keeper with the port arrangement of the first terminal bridge a MEP node (square frame 902) for predetermined OAM domain with a specific order (i.e. grade X).Afterwards, a MEP node is periodically issued the CC frame to all the other ports of the first terminal bridge and all the other bridge entities of this network, and wherein specific OAM level is included in (square frame 904) in the CC frame.Be similar to the attribute logging process among the GORP,, then this network port stated (D) if this CC frame receives via the bridge structure, if or the CC frame receive by physical link, then the port of this network is registered (R).Then, a port arrangement of the second terminal bridge is had same stages for belonging to the 2nd MEP node (square frame 906) in OAM territory of (i.e. level X), the 2nd MEP node begin by the CC stream that produces by the 2nd MEP realize back to the attribute logging process.Therefore, periodically issue the CC frame, OAM level information is coded in wherein (square frame 908) to all the other ports of the second terminal bridge and all the other bridge entities of this network.In response to this, state once more or register these ports, make Centronics port under DD or RD/DR situation.Suppose at the forward direction between the MEP node and back during CC stream, not only these ports have been stated but also registered these ports, then, the port that is deployed in two different bridges between the terminal bridge automatically is configured to have specific OAM level (level X) MIP node (square frame 910) by the end port that is configured to two MEP nodes.Be similar to aforementioned GORP scheme, the port of being appointed as DR or RD correspondingly be configured to once more the MIP node in this territory.In addition, be similar to the selected parts of GARP, if the port that comprises in the bridge of DR/RD port during CC stream, only state, then this port automatically can be configured to A-MEP node (square frame 912).

Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B show in the exemplary ethernet network 1000 with a plurality of bridge B1 1002-1 to 1002-7 an embodiment based on the territory collocation method of CC.Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand, is substantially similar among Fig. 7 A and Fig. 7 B GORP scheme about network 700 based on the territory allocation plan of CC.As substituting of the GARP frame of in the attribute logging process, issuing, a plurality of CC frames are provided, for example be used for the CC frame 1004 of forward direction CC stream (promptly from bridge B1 1002-1 to bridge B7 1002-7) and Figure 10 B among Figure 10 A and be used for the CC frame 1006 of back, be used for propagating OAM level information to CC stream (promptly from bridge B7 1002-7 to bridge B1 1002-1).Equally, as previously mentioned, produce the CC frame without any need for the state machine function that separates.Yet, will be appreciated that, in each territory configuration embodiment, forward direction and back to distribution be random fully, and therefore, this distribution with at first be which terminal bridge configuration MEP node or at first on which direction, initiate frame stream and have nothing to do.Under any circumstance, when on both direction, realizing attribute logging, allocation plan based on CC proposes, the port P1 of B1 1002-1 and B7 1002-7 is configured to two MEP nodes in the territory set up in the network 1000, and all the other ports in the network 1000 are appointed as DR/RD or are appointed as DD.Be similar to the GORP scheme, the port that will not only carry out statement but also carry out registering (DR or RD) automatically is configured to the MIP node of OAM level 1, in network 1000, these ports comprise P2 and the P1 of P3, B3 1002-3 and P1 and the P4 of P4 and B5 1002-5 of B2 1002-2.In addition, in the bridge that comprises the DR/RD port, will only carry out in two kinds of attribute registration processes stating that the port arrangement of (promptly being appointed as DD (or being appointed as D simply)) is the A-MEP node of OAM level 1.Therefore, shown in network 1000 in, configuration A-MEP node on the P2 of the P2 of the P1 of B2 1002-2 and P4, B3 1002-3 and P3 and B51002-5 and P3.Be similar to configuration A-MEP node in the GORP scheme, the A-MEP node of creating under the allocation plan based on CC also has with complete MEP node compares the ability group that reduces.

Can recall, different with GARP, the CC frame sends in network continuously.Therefore, existing property value is the registration of value of OAM level and the periodic replenishment of statement.As a result, the CC LOF is exercisable, to trigger the registration of separating of attribute.For the probability that the territory merges on the NNI between two operators, if A-MEP node or MEP node break down at boundary, then the UUCSIID field in the CC frame provides reliable method to determine whether the CC frame originates from the specific operator.Therefore, make the operator of the CC frame that receive to leak from adjacent operator avoid this CC frame is handled as its oneself frame.

No matter be to realize based on the territory allocation plan of CC or realize territory allocation plan based on GARP, a plurality of levels of configuration on an independent port simultaneously.If on identical port, disposed a plurality of levels (promptly configuration has MIP node not at the same level on same port), then, therefore need a kind of mechanism to decompose the MIP level owing to once can only activate a level of MIP node.Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B show the level of the MIP node that is used for territory of the present invention allocation plan and distribute step.Basically, the logic of being furnished with the MIP node is exercisable, with the minimum value of the registered level on the port of determining configuration stage and select the OAM level of this minimum value as this port.That is to say that the MIP node of activation is made and local being judged, to determine Min{ level value (i) }, i=1 wherein, 2 ..., K, it becomes the OAM level of this MIP node in the hierarchy of Ethernet territory.According to diagram, reference number 1100A among Figure 11 A typically refers to three grades of territory hierarchies that are configured in the eight port network systems, it wherein is the territory distribution stage 20 that comprises the user class of MEP1, MEP2, MIP1 and MIP2, be the territory distribution stage 11 that comprises provider's level of MEP3, MEP4, MIP3, MIP4, MIP5 and MIP6, and be the territory distribution stage 9 that comprises the carrier-class of MEP5, MEP6, MIP7 and MIP8.Once dispose one-level, and for the purpose of territory of the present invention allocation plan, the configuration sequence of level is unimportant.As can be seen from Figure 11A, be two the MIP nodes of each port arrangement among port P4 and the P5, a MIP node is in level 11, and another MIP node is in level 9, thereby obtains four MIP nodes altogether: MIP5 on MIP4 on the P4 and MIP7 and the P5 and MIP8.According to the description of the disclosure of invention, rudimentary attribute logging triggers the variation of the level on P4 and the P5, thereby at Min{11,9} promptly activates the MIP node that disposes on the level 9 on P4 and P5.The hierarchy that obtains is usually shown in the reference number 1100B among Figure 11 B.

Based on preceding detailed description, should be appreciated that the present invention has advantageously provided exercisable territory configuration mechanism in ether OAM network, wherein automatically disposes the MIP node, rather than disposes the MIP node in manual mode.Therefore, especially in being furnished with the OAM territory of a large amount of MIP nodes, significantly reduced the probability that produces error owing to manual error configurations.In addition, because the A-MEP node configuration on the appropriate location in network has reduced the security breach that causes to another territory leakage frame by from a territory.

Though described the present invention with reference to some exemplary embodiment, the form of the present invention that should be appreciated that shown and description is only as exemplary embodiment.Therefore, can carry out various changes, substitute and revise and do not break away from by the defined the spirit and scope of the invention of claims.

Claims (10)

1. one kind is used for comprising at the territory collocation method that the ethernet network that has multistage operations, manages and safeguard the OAM territory is operated:

With the port arrangement of the first terminal bridge of the edge of predetermined OAM domain in the described ethernet network is the first maintaining end point MEP node, and described OAM territory has a specific order;

In the attribute logging process, send first group of Generic Attribute Registration Protocol GARP or continuity verification CC frame from a described MEP node to all the other ports of the described first terminal bridge and all the other bridges of described ethernet network, described first group of GARP or CC frame comprise the level information about described a specific order;

With the port arrangement of the second terminal bridge of the described edge in OAM territory described in the described ethernet network is the second maintaining end point MEP node, and described OAM territory has described a specific order;

In the attribute logging process, send second group of GARP or CC frame from described the 2nd MEP node to all the other ports of the described second terminal bridge and all the other bridges of described ethernet network, described second group of GARP or CC frame comprise the level information about described a specific order; And

In response to described first and second groups of GARP or CC frame, be Maintenance Intermediate Point MIP node with described a specific order with the port arrangement in the bridge that is deployed between the described first terminal bridge and the second terminal bridge.

2. one kind is used for comprising at the territory configuration-system that the ethernet network that has multistage operations, manages and safeguard the OAM territory is operated:

The port arrangement that is used for the first terminal bridge of described ethernet network predetermined OAM edge is the device of the first maintaining end point MEP node, and described OAM territory has a specific order;

Be used for being created in the device of the attribute logging process sends to all the other bridges of all the other ports of the described first terminal bridge and described ethernet network from a described MEP node first group of Generic Attribute Registration Protocol GARP or continuity verification CC frame, described first group of GARP or CC frame comprise the level information relevant with described a specific order;

The port arrangement that is used for the second terminal bridge of the described edge in OAM territory described in the described ethernet network is the device of the second maintaining end point MEP node, and described OAM territory has described a specific order;

Be used for being created in the device of the attribute logging process sends to all the other bridges of all the other ports of the described second terminal bridge and described ethernet network from described the 2nd MEP node second group of GARP or CC frame, described second group of GARP or CC frame comprise the level information relevant with described a specific order; And

Being operating as in response to described first group and second group of GARP or CC frame, is the device with Maintenance Intermediate Point MIP node of described a specific order with the port arrangement in the bridge that is deployed between the described first terminal bridge and the second terminal bridge.

3. territory according to claim 2 configuration-system, wherein said predetermined OAM domain comprise user class OAM territory.

4. territory according to claim 2 configuration-system, wherein said predetermined OAM domain comprise provider level OAM territory.

5. territory according to claim 2 configuration-system, wherein said predetermined OAM domain comprise carrier-class OAM territory.

6. territory according to claim 2 configuration-system, the device that wherein is used to dispose the described port of the described first terminal bridge comprise that the described port arrangement that is used for manually the described first terminal bridge is the device of a described MEP node.

7. territory according to claim 2 configuration-system, the device that wherein is used to dispose the described port of the described second terminal bridge comprise that the described port arrangement that is used for manually the described second terminal bridge is the device of described the 2nd MEP node.

8. territory according to claim 2 configuration-system, the device that wherein is used for disposing the described port of the described bridge of disposing between the described first terminal bridge and the second terminal bridge comprises that being used for automatically is the device with MIP node of described a specific order with described port arrangement.

9. territory according to claim 2 configuration-system also comprises:

Whether at least one of described port that is used to determine to be configured to the MIP node belongs to a plurality of grades device; And

Be used to respond and describedly determine, to described port described at least one distribute the device of a level, a level of described distribution comprises described a plurality of grades minimum value.

10. territory according to claim 2 configuration-system comprises that also at least one port on the middle bridge that is used for being deployed between the described first terminal bridge and the second terminal bridge automatically is configured to the device of the automatic MEP node relevant with described predetermined OAM domain.

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