Forwarding Entry Generation for Loop-Free Backup Path Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network resource waste and congestion occur due to loop problems during packet forwarding when backup paths are used, particularly in network scenarios involving network devices connected to access and backbone networks.

Innovation Solution

A forwarding entry generation method that includes generating a forwarding entry with a segment identifier of a specified network device, allowing packets to be forwarded directly to that device, thereby avoiding loops and reducing resource waste and congestion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the network device stores a separate forwarding entry for each message type in a message queue, then message forwarding accuracy is improved, but device memory consumption increases and forwarding efficiency decreases due to excessive context switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage forwarding accuracyVSAvoidmessage forwarding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple message types into a single forwarding entry by using message type identification bits within the destination address field. Instead of creating separate forwarding entries for each message type, the system combines them into one unified entry that can handle multiple message types through bit manipulation and masking operations on the destination address.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The forwarding entry is designed to be universal by incorporating message type identification capabilities directly into the destination address structure. A single forwarding entry can serve multiple message types by interpreting different bit patterns within the same destination address field, making the forwarding mechanism multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized entries for each message type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the network device creates specific forwarding entries for different message types, then message routing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple queue management mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage routing precisionVSAvoidqueue management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple queue management functions into a single unified forwarding entry structure. By embedding message type identification bits within the destination address and using a single forwarding entry to manage multiple message types, the system reduces the number of separate queue management mechanisms while maintaining precise routing capabilities through bit-level address manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter representation by encoding message type information within the existing destination address parameter rather than creating separate parameters for each message type. This allows the same destination address parameter to represent multiple message types by changing its bit pattern, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining routing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the network device uses a single forwarding entry for multiple message types, then device complexity is reduced, but message forwarding precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforwarding entry management complexityVSAvoidmessage forwarding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating message types through specific bit positions within the destination address field. While the forwarding entry structure is unified, the actual message type identification is achieved through localized bit manipulation at specific positions in the destination address, allowing precise message type recognition without requiring separate forwarding entries for each message type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains forwarding precision by dynamically changing the interpretation of the destination address parameter based on message type. Through bit masking and manipulation operations, the same destination address parameter can be precisely interpreted to identify different message types, ensuring that forwarding precision is maintained even with a unified forwarding entry structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4096172B1Method for generating forwarding entry, network device, and system
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4096172B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4096172B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4096172B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application discloses a forwarding entry generation method, a packet sending method, a network device, and a system, so that a specified network device cannot use a backup forwarding path to forward a packet, thereby reducing, to some extent, a technical problem such as network resource waste or network congestion caused by a loop problem. The method includes: A first network device obtains routing information advertised by a second network device; and the first network device determines that the routing information advertised by the second network device matches a summary route stored in the first network device, and generates, based on a segment identifier of the second network device, a forwarding entry corresponding to the summary route. The forwarding entry includes the segment identifier of the second network device, and a forwarding path corresponding to the forwarding entry passes through the second network device.