Segment Routing Flexible Algorithm Extended Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Segment Routing Flexible Algorithm (Flex Algo) segregates networks into smaller sub-networks, reducing fault tolerance due to the lack of available protection paths or suboptimal protection paths for one or more hops, as Topology Independent Loop-Free Alternate (TI-LFA) protection runs per Flex Algo sub-network domain.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a new Flexible Algorithm Definition (FAD) for extended protection, where a given Flex Algo can be protected by another Flex Algo, using a new sub-Type, Length, Value (TLV) to advertise extended protection information, allowing traffic rerouting when faults occur and reverting to the original path upon recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Flex Algo segregates network into smaller sub-networks to optimize traffic routing, then routing flexibility and optimization are improved, but fault tolerance and availability of protection paths deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple Flex Algo sub-networks into a unified protection domain. When a primary Flex Algo experiences a fault, the system merges with a secondary Flex Algo sub-network to provide alternative protection paths. This merging allows the system to maintain routing flexibility within each sub-network while achieving fault tolerance through inter-sub-network protection paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protection path mechanism that acts as an intermediary between primary and secondary Flex Algo sub-networks. When faults occur in the primary sub-network, this intermediary protection path enables traffic to be routed through the secondary sub-network, thereby maintaining service continuity without requiring direct modification of the primary sub-network structure.
2Speed
If TI-LFA protection runs per Flex Algo sub-network domain to provide local protection, then protection speed is improved, but protection path availability deteriorates due to limited scope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the protection mechanism universal by allowing any Flex Algo sub-network to serve as a protection domain for other sub-networks. Instead of limiting protection to within a single sub-network, the system enables multi-functional use of sub-networks where they can both provide local protection and serve as backup for other sub-networks, thereby increasing overall protection path availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends protection from a single-sub-network dimension to a multi-sub-network dimensional space. By establishing protection relationships across multiple Flex Algo sub-networks, the system creates additional dimensions for protection paths, allowing traffic to be routed through alternative sub-networks when local protection is insufficient.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for extended protection in a Segment Routing network that utilizes Flexible Algorithm include defining a first Flexible Algorithm that segregates the Segment Routing network into a first subset network that excludes any of links and nodes from the Segment Routing network; defining a second Flexible Algorithm that segregates the Segment Routing network into a second subset network, different from the first subset network; and defining extended protection for the first Flexible Algorithm with the second Flexible Algorithm whereby the second Flexible Algorithm is usable for path to protect the first Flexible Algorithm.