BIER-TE Packet Forwarding Path Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Bit Indexed Explicit Replication (BIER-TE) networks, existing path protection methods result in resource wastage due to inadequate configuration path protection, where a single backup path is often used for multiple Fast Re-Route (FRR) entries, leading to inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A packet forwarding method and device that determine and utilize a bitstring based on a path identifier indicating both primary and backup paths, allowing for flexible and efficient path switching between primary and backup paths, including the capability to form different FRR adjacencies and use backup paths composed of multiple segments or trees, thereby optimizing resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single backup path is used for multiple FRR entries, then device complexity is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backup path resource allocation by introducing path identifiers that distinguish between different FRR entries. Each FRR entry can now have its own dedicated backup path or share backup paths selectively through configured path identifiers, rather than forcing all entries to use a single shared backup path. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing granular control over backup path assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic path selection by enabling FRR entries to switch between primary and backup paths based on operational status. The system dynamically determines which backup path to use for each FRR entry through path identifier configuration, allowing flexible adaptation to different network conditions and failure scenarios, thereby optimizing resource utilization while maintaining protection capabilities.
2Loss of energy
If multiple backup paths are configured for different FRR entries, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to configuration complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal path protection framework where the same FRR mechanism and backup path infrastructure can serve multiple FRR entries simultaneously through path identifier assignment. The backup path configuration system is designed to be multi-functional, supporting both dedicated and shared backup path scenarios through a unified configuration approach using path identifiers, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling efficient resource utilization.
3Device complexity
If path protection is not properly configured, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to protect configuration paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring backup paths and assigning path identifiers to FRR entries before actual network failures occur. The system proactively establishes protection mechanisms through advance path configuration and identifier assignment, ensuring that when failures occur, the pre-prepared backup paths can be immediately activated without complex runtime decision-making, thus maintaining reliability while controlling complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a packet forwarding method, comprising: receiving a packet to be sent to a bit-forwarding egress router (BFER) based on traffic engineering for bit index explicit replication (BIER-TE), and a path identifier, wherein the path identifier is used for indicating that the packet is sent from a first bit-forwarding router (BFR) to a primary path and a backup path of a next-hop BFR of the first BFR; determining, according to the path identifier, a bit string used for forwarding the packet to the BFER; and filling the bit string in the packet and forwarding the packet according to the bit string.