Control Device Forwarding Path Selection Using Priority Constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In centralized path computation architectures, such as PCE and SDN networks, when multiple forwarding paths satisfy the necessary constraint condition, the central control device randomly selects one, potentially leading to a path that is not preferred or desired by the user.
Innovation Solution
A method where the control device determines a forwarding path by using a mapping relationship between path computation reference constraints and priorities, selecting the path with the highest priority constraint to ensure a preferred path is chosen, and if multiple paths satisfy the highest priority constraint, it sequentially considers lower priority constraints to find a suitable path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control device randomly selects a forwarding path when multiple paths satisfy the necessary constraint, then the path selection process is simple, but the selected path may not be the preferred path or path desired by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces priority parameters associated with different path computation reference constraints. When multiple forwarding paths satisfy the necessary constraint, the control device evaluates these paths based on priority parameters rather than random selection. This parameter-based differentiation allows the system to reliably select preferred paths while maintaining a systematic selection process.
2Device complexity
If the control device uses a single path computation reference constraint, then the constraint checking is simple, but when multiple paths satisfy the constraint, random selection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the path selection process into multiple evaluation stages. First, paths are filtered by necessary constraints. Then, when multiple paths remain, they are evaluated against path computation reference constraints with associated priorities. This segmentation allows simple initial filtering followed by priority-based refinement, achieving reliable path selection without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple path computation reference constraints with different priorities into a composite evaluation framework. Rather than using a single constraint, the system integrates multiple constraints (e.g., cost, latency, bandwidth) each with its own priority level, creating a composite selection criterion that reliably identifies the most preferred path.
3Reliability
If the control device introduces priority-based path computation reference constraints, then the preferred path can be selected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes priority mappings for path computation reference constraints in advance, before actual path computation occurs. This preliminary configuration of priority relationships allows the control device to efficiently evaluate paths during computation without complex real-time decision-making, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable path preference satisfaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a method for determining a forwarding path and a control device. The method includes: obtaining a first-forwarding-path computation request, where the first-forwarding-path computation request instructs to compute a first forwarding path that is from a source node to a destination node and that satisfies a first constraint; and when the control device computes at least two forwarding paths that satisfy the first constraint, obtaining, based on a mapping relationship between a path computation reference constraint and a priority, a path computation reference constraint having a highest priority, and determining, based on the path computation reference constraint having the highest priority and from the at least two forwarding paths that satisfy the first constraint, at least one forwarding path that satisfies the path computation reference constraint having the highest priority.