Forwarding Table Validation via Data Plane Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems require significant control plane intervention for path monitoring and validation of forwarding data structures, particularly for equal-cost multi-path (ECMP) routing and next hop nodes, which limits their operation within the data plane.
Innovation Solution
The use of data packet probes with embedded segment IDs (SIDs) that map to specific interpretations by routers to rewrite and redirect packets, allowing for validation of forwarding paths and data structures without control plane interference, enabling validation of routing table entries and ECMP paths within the data plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If control plane intervention is used for validation of forwarding data structures, then validation accuracy is improved, but control plane involvement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validation function from the control plane and places it in the data plane. Specifically, it uses embedded Segment IDs (SIDs) in data packets that can be processed by routers using existing forwarding tables, eliminating the need for control plane intervention in validation operations while maintaining accuracy through the structured SID encoding scheme
Solution Approach 2:
The validation mechanism serves itself by using the existing forwarding infrastructure (routing tables, forwarding tables) to validate its own correctness. The embedded SIDs are processed by standard router forwarding logic, allowing the data plane to self-validate without external control plane assistance
2Reliability
If data packet probes with embedded segment IDs are used, then validation capability is improved, but packet structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the validation data (Segment ID) directly into the existing packet destination address field. This combining approach allows validation information to be carried within standard packet structures without requiring separate validation packets or additional header fields, thus improving reliability while minimizing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The destination address field in the packet header serves multiple functions: it identifies the final destination AND carries the embedded Segment ID for validation purposes. This multi-functionality allows the same packet structure to serve both forwarding and validation needs without increasing complexity
3Productivity
If validation is performed without control plane interference, then network management efficiency is improved, but validation coverage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The validation mechanism operates continuously in the data plane alongside normal packet forwarding. Every packet with an embedded SID undergoes validation processing automatically, providing continuous validation coverage without interrupting or slowing down the primary forwarding function, thus maintaining both efficiency and coverage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media for validating data in a data structure used for forwarding packets by a network device comprising sending a data packet probe identifying a destination and including a segment ID, wherein the segment ID maps to a first interpretation by a receiving router to perform an action on the data packet probe to rewrite a portion of a destination address in a header of the data packet probe, and to redirect the data packet probe to the network device that initiated the data packet probe.