Autonomous Inter-Domain Forwarding Path Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of packet forwarding control in segment routing networks is exacerbated by the reliance on controller interactions for inter-domain forwarding, which becomes impractical when controllers cannot communicate with each other.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining a forwarding path using Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) routing update messages that include identifier lists and network performance identifiers, allowing network devices to autonomously determine inter-domain forwarding paths without relying on controller communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If controller interaction is used for inter-domain packet forwarding, then forwarding path can be determined, but control process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables network devices to autonomously determine inter-domain forwarding paths by processing BGP routing update messages independently, without requiring interaction with external controllers. Each device uses the identifier lists and network performance identifiers in the BGP messages to make autonomous forwarding decisions, eliminating the need for complex controller coordination while maintaining reliable path determination
2Reliability
If controller interaction is required for inter-domain forwarding, then forwarding path can be controlled, but forwarding cannot be implemented when controllers cannot communicate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables network devices to autonomously determine inter-domain forwarding paths by processing BGP routing update messages independently, without requiring interaction with external controllers. Each device uses the identifier lists and network performance identifiers in the BGP messages to make autonomous forwarding decisions, eliminating the need for complex controller coordination while maintaining reliable path determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard BGP routing update messages that can be universally processed by any BGP-speaking network device, allowing the same mechanism to work across different domains and vendor equipment. The identifier lists and network performance identifiers are embedded in standard BGP attributes, making the solution universally applicable without requiring domain-specific controller implementations
3Device complexity
If BGP routing update messages with identifier lists are used, then controller interaction is eliminated, but path determination capability must be distributed to network devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding path determination capability across multiple network devices, with each device independently processing BGP routing update messages and maintaining local forwarding information. The identifier lists are distributed through BGP peer relationships, allowing each device to have the necessary information to make autonomous decisions without centralizing control
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a forwarding path determining method and an apparatus. In determining a forwarding path, a second network device sends a routing update message to a first network device, where the routing update message carries a first identifier list, the first identifier list includes a binding segment identifier, and the first identifier list indicates a first forwarding path that is from the second network device to a third network device. By using the method, a second forwarding path from the first network device to the third network device is determined. According to the method provided in this application, when there is no controller or controllers cannot communicate with each other, routing advertisement of the binding end identifier is implemented, to determine a forwarding path. This helps simplify a packet forwarding control process.