Abstract: In an aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to network control topology that implements a centralized network controller to deterministically assign, and reassign, underlay multicast groups according to one or more policies and/or parameterized intent of the network administrator. The centralized network controller, in some embodiments, comprises a map server-map resolver controller configured to provide deterministic and centralized allocation of LISP underlay multicast groups, e.g., to provide security, traffic engineering, network and resource management.

Abstract: In an aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to network control topology that implements a centralized network controller to deterministically assign, and reassign, underlay multicast groups according to one or more policies and/or parameterized intent of the network administrator. The centralized network controller, in some embodiments, comprises a map server-map resolver controller configured to provide deterministic and centralized allocation of LISP underlay multicast groups, e.g., to provide security, traffic engineering, network and resource management.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) router includes port interfaces to receive multicast traffic from a first network and forward the traffic to at least one receiver, which is in a sub-network including other PIM routers, and a routing processor configured, in response to a decision for the first PIM router to relinquish being a designated router, to generate a PIM Hello message with a first option descriptor and a first priority, the first option descriptor indicating a staggered handoff process, and send the PIM Hello message, receipt of the PIM Hello message by the other PIM routers being operative to result in a designated router election electing a new designated router, the new designated router being operative to initiate the staggered handoff process causing the first PIM router to continue forwarding traffic until the new designated router has built a multicast routing tree.

Abstract: A method including receiving, at a first router of a plurality of routers, a first message from the plurality of routers. The first message includes a designated router priority and a weight for each respective router. Based on the designated router priorities, a designated router is elected and a one or more eligible group designated routers are determined. The method determines whether the first router is the designated router or the at least one eligible group designated router. If the first router is the designated router, the first router provides a second message to the remaining routers indicating the eligible group designated routers and their weights.

Abstract: A method including receiving, at a first router of a plurality of routers, a first message from the plurality of routers. The first message includes a designated router priority and a weight for each respective router. Based on the designated router priorities, a designated router is elected and a one or more eligible group designated routers are determined. The method determines whether the first router is the designated router or the at least one eligible group designated router. If the first router is the designated router, the first router provides a second message to the remaining routers indicating the eligible group designated routers and their weights.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) router includes port interfaces to receive multicast traffic from a first network and forward the traffic to at least one receiver, which is in a sub-network including other PIM routers, and a routing processor configured, in response to a decision for the first PIM router to relinquish being a designated router, to generate a PIM Hello message with a first option descriptor and a first priority, the first option descriptor indicating a staggered handoff process, and send the PIM Hello message, receipt of the PIM Hello message by the other PIM routers being operative to result in a designated router election electing a new designated router, the new designated router being operative to initiate the staggered handoff process causing the first PIM router to continue forwarding traffic until the new designated router has built a multicast routing tree.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) router includes port interfaces to receive multicast traffic from a first network and forward the traffic to at least one receiver, which is in a sub-network including other PIM routers, and a routing processor configured, in response to a decision for the first PIM router to relinquish being a designated router, to generate a PIM Hello message with a first option descriptor and a first priority, the first option descriptor indicating a staggered handoff process, and send the PIM Hello message, receipt of the PIM Hello message by the other PIM routers being operative to result in a designated router election electing a new designated router, the new designated router being operative to initiate the staggered handoff process causing the first PIM router to continue forwarding traffic until the new designated router has built a multicast routing tree.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) router includes port interfaces to receive multicast traffic from a first network and forward the traffic to at least one receiver, which is in a sub-network including other PIM routers, and a routing processor configured, in response to a decision for the first PIM router to relinquish being a designated router, to generate a PIM Hello message with a first option descriptor and a first priority, the first option descriptor indicating a staggered handoff process, and send the PIM Hello message, receipt of the PIM Hello message by the other PIM routers being operative to result in a designated router election electing a new designated router, the new designated router being operative to initiate the staggered handoff process causing the first PIM router to continue forwarding traffic until the new designated router has built a multicast routing tree.

Abstract: Multiple redundant sources for a datastream can be established in a network, where the redundant sources are configured with the same source address. One of the redundant sources provides the datastream to a receiver of a multicast group. If the redundant source fails, another redundant source can be used in its place, ensuring the receiver continues to receive the datastream. A routing element coupled to a redundant source monitors the redundant source for failure and informs the rest of the network of the status of the coupled redundant source. The routing element can inform other routing elements of the status by advertising or withdrawing a route that reaches the coupled redundant source, which the other routing elements can use to update their routing tables.

Abstract: Multiple redundant sources for a datastream can be established in a network, where the redundant sources are configured with the same source address. One of the redundant sources provides the datastream to a receiver of a multicast group. If the redundant source fails, another redundant source can be used in its place, ensuring the receiver continues to receive the datastream. A routing element coupled to a redundant source monitors the redundant source for failure and informs the rest of the network of the status of the coupled redundant source. The routing element can inform other routing elements of the status by advertising or withdrawing a route that reaches the coupled redundant source, which the other routing elements can use to update their routing tables.