Patent ID: 8902766
Filing Date: 2014-12-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for improving LDP (Label Distribution Protocol) convergence time in a first network element acting as an LSR (Label Switched Router) in a MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) network, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a hierarchical LSP (Label Switched Path) for a plurality of FECs (Forwarding Equivalence Classes) belonging to a plurality of end stations respectively, wherein the hierarchical LSP for each FEC includes: a unique FEC LSP that is used by the second network element to identify and forward packets to the FEC; andresponsive to a topology change that changes a next-hop of the first network element for the egress LSR LSP, of a single forwarding structure containing both at least a forwarding structure entry for the egress LSR LSP and forward structure entries for the FEC LSPs, modifying the forwarding structure entry to change at least the next-hop for the egress LSR LSP without modifying the forwarding structure entries for the FEC LSPs.