DetNet OAM Bitstring Validation for Hardware Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deterministic Networking (DetNet) faces challenges in monitoring and testing forwarding decisions due to the slow execution speed of local or remote CPU-based control planes, which prevents effective packet processing and error evaluation, especially in wireless data networks with stringent Service Level Agreement (SLA) requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distributed validation method using device/segment-specific bitstrings in the DetNet Operations, Administration, and Management (OAM) Associated Channel Header (ACH) allows for the execution of distributed validation of DetNet operations by a DetNet forwarding hardware circuit, enabling selective generation of IP-based probe responses independent of the forwarding hardware's execution speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If CPU-based control plane is used for monitoring and testing DetNet forwarding decisions, then centralized control and management capability is achieved, but execution speed is too slow to meet stringent SLA requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the validation function into two parts: distributed validation execution in forwarding hardware for speed, and centralized probe message generation by CPU for control. This allows the system to achieve both fast execution and centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces OAM probe messages as an intermediary mechanism that enables the slow CPU control plane to trigger and coordinate validation operations in the fast forwarding hardware without directly blocking the data path or requiring CPU intervention in every forwarding decision.
2Reliability
If packet processing or error evaluation is performed in the DetNet forwarding plane, then comprehensive monitoring and testing is achieved, but forwarding latency increases violating SLA requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validation logic out of the normal data forwarding path by using separate OAM probe messages. The validation operations are performed on probe packets rather than data packets, eliminating any impact on data packet forwarding latency while still enabling comprehensive monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses probe messages as copies of actual data packets for validation purposes. These probe packets traverse the same DetNet path and undergo the same forwarding decisions, allowing validation without interfering with real data traffic timing requirements.
3Speed
If distributed validation is implemented in forwarding hardware, then execution speed meets SLA requirements, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing forwarding hardware multi-functional by enabling it to handle both normal data packet forwarding and OAM probe message validation. The same forwarding plane processes both types of packets, avoiding the need for separate validation hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements validation partially by using bitstrings to specify only certain segments or devices to validate, rather than requiring full validation of all forwarding paths. This reduces the computational burden on forwarding hardware while still providing sufficient monitoring coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method comprises: establishing a wireless DetNet track for an identified DetNet flow of DetNet packets, and the DetNet track comprising DetNet devices connected by allocated DetNet segments distinct from IP-based connections; causing, by the network device, a DetNet device(s) to execute distributed validating of any one or more DetNet operations by a DetNet forwarding hardware circuit in a DetNet device under test among the DetNet devices, the distributed validating including: generating a DetNet OAM (d-OAM) probe message comprising an ACH header specifying a DetNet validation identifier and a selected bitstring; validating the DetNet forwarding hardware circuit based on outputting the d-OAM probe message, the d-OAM probe message causing a CPU in the DetNet device(s) to selectively generate an IP-based probe response indicating whether a DetNet operation(s) was executed by the DetNet forwarding hardware circuit, independent of an execution speed of any DetNet forwarding hardware circuit.