Boundary Packet Forwarding via Slice Identifier Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet forwarding methods in network slicing technologies fail to implement cross-domain interworking between network slices, leading to complex configurations and reduced forwarding efficiency due to service reidentification when packets cross domains.
Innovation Solution
A packet forwarding method that switches slice identifiers between different network domains, allowing seamless interworking by mapping slice identifiers across network domains, such as VLAN, VXLAN, GENEVE, SRv6, and IPv6, using headers like ETH, VXLAN, GENEVE, IPv6 extension, HBH, or DOH to carry slice identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a slice identifier is carried in a packet to direct the packet to a network slice for forwarding, then packet forwarding can be directed to the correct network slice, but cross-domain interworking between network slices cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boundary network node as an intermediary between different network domains. This boundary node performs slice identifier mapping, converting slice identifiers from the first network domain to corresponding slice identifiers in the second network domain. The boundary node acts as a mediator that enables cross-domain communication while maintaining slice isolation and forwarding correctness through the mapping relationship between different domain's slice identifiers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service reidentification is performed when a packet crosses domains, then packet routing can be adjusted for different domains, but complex configuration and forwarding efficiency deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes slice identifier mapping relationships in advance between different network domains. The boundary network node pre-configures the correspondence between slice identifiers of the first network domain and slice identifiers of the second network domain. When packets cross domains, the boundary node performs efficient lookup and translation based on these pre-established mappings, avoiding complex real-time service reidentification and maintaining high forwarding efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A packet forwarding method and apparatus, and a system are provided, and belong to the field of network technologies. A first network node located at a boundary between a first network domain and a second network domain receives a first packet from the first network domain, where the first packet includes a first packet header that matches the first network domain, and the first packet header includes a first slice identifier that indicates a first network slice. The first network node obtains a second packet based on the second network domain and the first packet, where the second packet includes a second packet header that matches the second network domain, the second packet header includes a second slice identifier that indicates a second network slice, and the second packet header is different from the first packet header. The first network node sends the second packet in the second network domain based on the second slice identifier. In this application, cross-domain interworking between network slices can be implemented.