BGP Flow Spec Protocol Resource Association via Global Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Flow Spec protocol requires frequent extensions to accommodate new service requirements, leading to unlimited extension of the extended community attribute, which is inefficient and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a unified packet format with a global identifier (GID) in the extended community attribute to associate resources, allowing data flows to be guided into corresponding forwarding channels on both the control and forwarding planes, reducing signaling overheads and enabling flexible service orchestration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the BGP Flow Spec protocol is extended frequently to accommodate new service requirements, then the protocol can support more services, but the extended community attribute becomes unlimited and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extended community attribute into a fixed-type field and a variable-type field. The fixed-type field contains standard attributes, while the variable-type field uses a compact global identifier (GID) to represent additional attributes. This segmentation allows the protocol to maintain a consistent, limited structure while still supporting diverse service requirements through the GID mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by using a global identifier (GID) that references external attribute definitions. Instead of embedding all attributes directly in the protocol packet, the GID points to attributes defined elsewhere, effectively moving attribute storage to a different dimension (external reference vs. inline storage). This reduces the packet size while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extended community attribute is constantly extended, then new services can be supported, but signaling overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a global identifier (GID) as a reference or copy mechanism. Instead of transmitting full attribute definitions repeatedly, the system transmits compact GID values that reference previously defined attributes. This copying approach significantly reduces signaling overhead while maintaining the ability to support multiple services through the reference system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the BGP Flow Spec protocol is extended frequently, then more services can be accommodated, but the protocol becomes inflexible and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal framework where the fixed-type field handles common attributes and the variable-type field with GID handles specialized attributes. This multi-functional design allows the same protocol structure to serve both standard and customized service requirements, improving ease of operation by providing a consistent interface while maintaining flexibility through the GID reference mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a Flow Specification-based communications method, device, and system. The method includes: obtaining, by a controller, a requirement indicating that a first resource on a forwarding device needs to be associated with a second resource on the forwarding device; and sending, by the controller, a Border Gateway Protocol Flow Specification BGP Flow Spec protocol packet according to the requirement, where the BGP Flow Spec protocol packet includes a network layer reachability information field and an extended community attribute field, the network layer reachability information field carries characteristic information of the first resource, the extended community attribute field carries a global identifier GID used to indicate the second resource, and the BGP Flow Spec protocol packet is used to instruct to associate the first resource with the second resource. According to the embodiments of the present invention, unlimited extension of the BGP Flow Spec protocol can be effectively avoided.