Dynamic Routing Traffic Steering for In-Line Service Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern communication networks face challenges in providing scalable, cost-effective, and efficient solutions for steering traffic to in-line services while maintaining compatibility with current protocols and minimizing infrastructure costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic routing-based traffic steering methods that selectively steer network traffic to service chain nodes, utilizing protocols like MPLS, BGP, and LDP, to provide in-line services efficiently, allowing for content-based, flow-based, or user-based service provisioning without requiring extensive network infrastructure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dynamic routing-based traffic steering is implemented to provide in-line services, then service provisioning efficiency is improved, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing routing protocols (BGP, MPLS, LDP) to perform multiple functions: traditional routing plus dynamic service steering. The routing infrastructure is made multi-functional, allowing the same network elements to provide both connectivity and in-line services without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure for service steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a service chain node as an intermediary element that mediates between the routing protocol and the in-line service. This intermediary allows the routing protocol to remain relatively simple while the service chain node handles the complex service provisioning and traffic steering logic, thus managing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traffic steering to service nodes is implemented, then in-line service capability is improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by steering traffic to service chain nodes only when and where needed, rather than forcing all traffic through service nodes. The dynamic routing mechanism selectively steers traffic based on service requirements, ensuring that network resources are utilized efficiently and not wasted on traffic that does not require in-line services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using dynamic routing protocols that can adapt traffic steering decisions in real-time based on network conditions and service requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize resource utilization by adjusting traffic paths according to current demands, rather than using static routing that would waste resources on unnecessary traffic steering.
3Use of energy by moving object
If selective traffic steering is used to optimize resources, then network resource efficiency is improved, but routing protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the routing function into separate components: the base routing protocol handles standard connectivity, while additional service steering is handled by service chain nodes and policy-based routing mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while collectively achieving efficient selective traffic steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying routing decisions based on varying parameters such as traffic type, service requirements, and network conditions. The routing protocols adjust parameters like next-hop routers, path selection, and traffic classification dynamically to achieve efficient selective steering without requiring fundamental protocol redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for steering network traffic (e.g., IP traffic) based on dynamic routing to a service node or a chain of service nodes that can provide in-line services. In an exemplary embodiment, traffic is steered from a first router to an in-line service router by tunneling through a second router, wherein in-line service router is configured to provide in-line services to the traffic.