BIER Header Stitching for Varying Bit String Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing BIER technologies face challenges in processing varying bit string lengths from ingress routers to egress routers, leading to inefficient packet transmission and unnecessary duplication of packets due to capacity limitations of egress devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic header stitching, where a border node receives a packet with a larger BIER bit string, splits it into smaller headers with smaller bit strings using split bit masks, and routes these smaller headers to appropriate egress routers, maintaining statelessness and integrating domains with varying bit string lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single large BIER bit string is used to represent multiple egress routers, then packet transmission efficiency is improved, but egress devices with limited capacity cannot process the large bit string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a large BIER bit string into multiple smaller bit strings, each contained in a separate BIER header. This segmentation allows egress devices with limited capacity to process smaller bit strings individually while maintaining the ability to represent multiple egress routers across the distributed headers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by distributing bit string information across multiple headers rather than concentrating it in a single header. This dimensional change from one large header to multiple smaller headers enables compatibility with devices having varying processing capacities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If BIER headers are split into smaller headers, then compatibility with egress devices is improved, but packet duplication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces border nodes as intermediary devices that perform the splitting of large BIER headers into smaller headers. These border nodes act as mediators between ingress routers and egress devices, managing the header splitting process and routing packets appropriately to minimize unnecessary duplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different header structures at different locations in the network - large BIER headers are used where capacity permits (at ingress), while smaller headers are used closer to egress devices with limited capacity. This local adaptation optimizes both efficiency and compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If header stitching is implemented to integrate varying BSL domains, then system flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where border nodes automatically perform header splitting and stitching operations based on local configuration and routing information, without requiring complex centralized control or coordination with other network devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to BIER forwarding over varying BSL domains, the methods including the steps of receiving, at a border node, a packet comprising a BIER header having a BIER bit string with a first bit string length; reading an incoming label of the packet comprising instructions to split the BIER header into a plurality of smaller headers associated with a plurality of smaller bit strings; generating a set of split bit masks; performing a separate bitwise AND operation on each split bit mask and the BIER bit string to generate the plurality of smaller bit strings, each copied to a corresponding smaller header of the plurality of smaller headers; and performing a lookup for each of the plurality of smaller headers on a respective forwarding table to determine one or more egress routers to which to transmit the packet.