Communication Device Path Information for Dynamic Service Function Chaining
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Service Function Chaining (SFC), existing technologies lack the ability to dynamically and efficiently manage packet routing and function execution based on user-defined requirements, limiting the flexibility and functionality of service providers and network providers in delivering customized network services.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and method that generates and utilizes path information including details of relay nodes, functions, and processing content, allowing the device to determine its role as a target or relay node and execute user-defined functions on packets, enabling flexible and customizable packet processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Service Function Chaining is implemented with predetermined packet types determined by network providers, then network service functionality is provided, but service user customization flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining function types and their associated processing contents in a database before actual packet routing occurs. When a service user requests customized packet processing, the system retrieves pre-configured function definitions and processing contents based on the requested function type, eliminating the need for complex real-time routing decisions and enabling user customization without proportionally increasing routing management complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If packet routing follows traditional fixed paths, then network stability is maintained, but dynamic function execution capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packet routing into distinct functional stages: path determination based on destination node, function type identification from the path, and processing content selection based on the identified function type. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stable routing paths while dynamically executing different functions at each segment, achieving both routing stability and dynamic function execution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the routing path and function execution. The database stores function types and their corresponding processing contents, acting as a mediator that translates stable routing paths into dynamic function executions. This intermediary enables the system to maintain reliable routing while achieving adaptable function execution by decoupling the routing layer from the execution layer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If generic packet processing is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but service-specific processing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified database structure that stores function types and processing contents applicable to multiple services. The same database mechanism serves different service types (voice, data, video, etc.) by retrieving different function definitions based on service type identifiers. This universal approach enables service-specific processing capability while avoiding the complexity of separate processing systems for each service.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device is provided that makes a single or a plurality of functions desired by a service user act on a packet desired by the service user in a service for transferring a packet in a network. A communication device is provided that includes a communication unit that communicates with another node and a control unit that controls the communication by the communication unit, in which the control unit generates path information with a target node, and in the path information with the target node, at least information regarding communication with at least a single relay node that exists between the communication device and the target node, information regarding a function to be performed by the relay node, and content of processing according to the function execution result by the relay node are written.