BGP-LS Slice Aggregation Identifier for Network Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network slicing technologies face challenges in managing and controlling slices effectively due to inadequate topological information, particularly when the scale of slices exceeds the representation limits of existing IGP Flex-Algo algorithms, leading to difficulties in resource management and packet forwarding strategies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring and transmitting slice-associated resource information for each link in the network using Border Gateway Protocol link state (BGP-LS), which includes maximum reserved, available, used, average, maximum, and minimum link bandwidth, as well as packet loss rates, to facilitate unified management and control by the controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IGP Flex-Algo algorithm is used to create virtual topologies for network slicing, then network resources can be flexibly segmented and multiple slices can be created, but the scale of slices is limited to maximum 128 that can be represented by the algorithm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension for slice identification by adding a 16-bit Slice Aggregation Identifier (SA-ID) field to the BGP-LS UPDATE message. This extends the slice identification capability from the limited IGP Flex-Algo algorithm values to a much larger space (65,536 possible values), allowing networks to create and manage a significantly larger number of slices without increasing algorithmic complexity.
2Loss of information
If new slice aggregation identifiers are introduced to distinguish resource management strategies for large scale slices, then slice identification capability is improved, but topological information collection becomes more complex requiring additional control plane and forwarding plane modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the BGP-LS protocol multi-functional by extending it to carry both traditional topological information and slice-associated resource information. The BGP-LS UPDATE message is enhanced to include an optional path attribute that contains slice identifiers and resource information, allowing a single protocol mechanism to serve multiple purposes: route propagation, topology distribution, and slice resource management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses BGP-LS as an intermediary mechanism to bridge the gap between IGP topological information and slice management requirements. By embedding slice aggregation identifiers and resource information within BGP-LS UPDATE messages, the system creates a unified information carrier that mediates between the control plane's need for topology awareness and the slicing function's need for resource identification and management.
3Measurement precision
If link-based topological information is collected for delay, bandwidth and packet loss rate, then basic network metrics are available, but it is not convenient to manage and control slices effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges slice identification information with link performance metrics by combining them into a single BGP-LS UPDATE message structure. The optional path attribute contains both the slice aggregation identifier and associated resource information (bandwidth, delay, packet loss rate) in a unified format, allowing slice management operations to access both identification and performance data simultaneously without separate information gathering processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an information transmission method and apparatus, a network node, a controller and a storage medium. The method is applied to a network node and includes: acquiring slice-associated resource information for each link in a network and transmitting the resource information.