BIER Probe Packet Measurement for Full BFER Path Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing performance measurement methods in the Bit Index Explicit Replication (BIER) domain, such as those using In-situ Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (IOAM) technology, are unable to measure performance on paths to all Bit Forwarding Egress Routers (BFERs) acting as leaf nodes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a Two-Way Active Measurement Protocol (TWAMP) and Segment Routing (SR) to actively measure performance parameters like delay, packet loss, and jitter by sending probe packets encapsulated with BIER headers, allowing measurement of paths to multiple BFERs without relying on forwarding of multicast data packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IOAM technology is used to measure performance by forwarding BIER data packets, then performance measurement can be implemented through actual data packet forwarding, but performance measurement cannot be performed on paths to all BFERs that serve as leaf nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function from the data packet forwarding function by introducing dedicated probe packets. These probe packets are separately generated and forwarded independently from regular BIER data packets, allowing measurement paths to be selectively configured for different BFERs without requiring actual data traffic to all leaf nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probe packets as intermediary elements that carry measurement information. These probe packets act as mediators between the performance measurement system and the BIER domain, enabling measurement capability extension to all BFERs including leaf nodes without requiring modification to the core BIER data packet forwarding mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If probe packets are sent to measure performance, then measurement flexibility is improved, but packet overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe packets are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as measurement carriers and as valid BIER packets that can be forwarded through the BIER domain using existing BIFT tables. This universal design allows the same packet structure to fulfill both measurement purposes and routing requirements, reducing the need for separate dedicated measurement infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the probe packet structure, specifically setting the Bit String field to all 1s to indicate measurement intent. This parameter modification allows existing BIER forwarding infrastructure to recognize and handle measurement packets differently, enabling flexible measurement configuration without increasing overall packet volume significantly.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a performance measurement method and apparatus, and a system. In the method, a bit forwarding ingress router BFIR obtains a first packet, where the first packet includes an identifier of the BFIR, a bit string, and a first parameter that is used for performance measurement, the bit string is used to identify one or more bit forwarding egress routers BFERs, and the first packet is not used to transmit multicast data; and the BFIR sends the first packet to the one or more BFERs based on the bit string included in the first packet.