Method of selecting network function for data forwarding and service function forward (SFF)

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a method of selecting a network function for data forwarding and a service function forward (SFF), so as to realize hot backup of a service chaining network function or realizing load balancing. The method of the embodiment of the invention comprises steps: the SFF receives a data packet, according to the load amount of a local network function entity associated with the SFF or indication information of whether to operate normally, a decision is made to whether to forward the data packet to the local network function entity or to another SFF, and a network function entity associated with the another SFF is a hot-backup network function entity for the local network function entity or a load-balancing network function entity. Thus, a path does not need to be added for the network function entity of the same type for realizing backup, management on the paths and NSHs (Network Service Header) can be reduced, the complexity is reduced, and an effective load balancing mechanism is provided for SFC (Service Function Chaining) in a distributed architecture.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to the communication field, in particular to a method for selecting a network function for data forwarding and a service function forwarder. Background technique [0002] In traditional services, hot backup solutions are usually used to achieve high service reliability. The main features of the hot backup solution are: there is a normal running network function entity and a backup network function entity at the same time, wherein the running network function entity will receive all business data flows, and at the same time, the backup network function The entity waits to be enabled in case of an emergency (eg failure) of a running network function entity. [0003] The current service function chaining (Service Function Chaining, SFC) usually adopts path-level backup, and uses the default path selection function as a backup. When performing backup operations between two functional entities of the same type, there will be two diffe...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] However, due to the addition of a path for backup of the same type of network functional entity, the number of paths increases, and a large number of Network Service Headers (Network Service Headers, NSHs) are generated, which is twice the number of existing path NSHs, increasing management complexity

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