BIER Flow Identification via Segmented Header Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current BIER technology lacks a method to identify and measure BIER flows, which is essential for implementing a performance measurement function in BIER networks, especially for large-scale networks supporting high-capacity services like video streaming and IPTV, where efficient multicast solutions are critical.

Innovation Solution

A performance measurement method and apparatus that create and encapsulate BIER flow measurement packets with identification information, allowing communication nodes to identify and measure BIER flows by extending the flow field in BIER headers and OAM headers, enabling flow-based performance measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If BIER technology is used to eliminate multicast routing protocols and forwarding tables, then device complexity and operation maintenance cost are reduced, but the ability to identify and measure BIER flows is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulticast protocol and forwarding table complexityVSAvoidBIER flow identification and measurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the BIER header structure by introducing a dedicated flow identification field that separates flow identification functionality from the traditional BIER forwarding structure. This allows independent measurement capabilities without affecting the core BIER forwarding efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces measurement packets as intermediary elements that carry flow identification information through the BIER network. These packets act as mediators between the simplified BIER forwarding plane and the performance measurement requirements, enabling flow measurement without complicating the core forwarding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the BIER header structure is extended to include flow identification fields, then BIER flow identification capability is improved, but packet overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBIER flow identification capabilityVSAvoidpacket header overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the flow identification field to serve multiple functions: it enables flow measurement, supports network management, and maintains compatibility with existing BIER operations. This multi-functionality justifies the additional header bytes by providing comprehensive functionality beyond simple measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows flexible configuration of the flow identification field parameters, enabling the network to adjust the level of detail in flow identification based on specific measurement requirements. This adaptability optimizes the balance between measurement precision and packet overhead for different network scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12120008B2Performance measurement method and apparatus, device, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 ZTE CORP

AI summary

Provided are a performance measurement method and apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. The method includes: creating a Bit Index Explicit Replication (BIER) flow; encapsulating a BIER flow measurement packet according to a performance measurement requirement of the BIER flow, where the BIER flow measurement packet carries BIER flow identification information; and sending the BIER flow measurement packet to a second communication node.