Network Head Node Path Switching Based on Service Constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current path switching methods in network technologies, particularly in Segment Routing Traffic Engineering (SR-TE), exhibit low flexibility as they primarily rely on fault status for switching packet forwarding paths, failing to adapt to changing constraint conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method where network devices, acting as head nodes, determine whether to switch packet forwarding paths based on constraint information that indicates whether the current path meets the required constraint conditions, allowing for more flexible path switching by considering multiple paths with varying priorities and using protection mechanisms when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If path switching is based only on fault status, then system simplicity is maintained, but path switching flexibility is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path switching by enabling the head node to flexibly select between primary and secondary paths based on real-time constraint condition evaluations. The system transitions from static fault-based switching to dynamic constraint-based switching, allowing the network to adapt to changing service requirements and network states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the switching decision parameters from simple binary fault status to comprehensive constraint condition evaluations. By introducing multiple parameters (bandwidth, delay, packet loss rate, etc.) and their corresponding thresholds, the system achieves more nuanced and flexible path switching decisions that consider multiple quality dimensions simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple paths are computed and stored with different priorities, then path switching flexibility improves, but computation and storage overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing multiple candidate paths (primary and secondary) with different priorities before actual path switching is needed. The PCE computes these paths in advance based on constraint conditions, and the head node stores them locally, enabling rapid switching decisions without real-time computation overhead when switching is actually required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by computing and storing only the necessary number of paths (typically one primary and one or more secondary paths) rather than all possible paths. This selective computation approach provides sufficient switching flexibility while avoiding excessive computation and storage resources being consumed.
3Reliability
If path switching is triggered by constraint condition violations, then service quality is improved, but switching frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-defining threshold values for constraint conditions (bandwidth, delay, packet loss rate) that trigger path switching. When monitored parameters approach or exceed these thresholds, the system proactively switches paths before service quality severely degrades, preventing harmful effects rather than reacting to them after they occur.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
This application provides a path switching method, a device, and a system, and pertains to the field of network technologies. A network device serving as a head node on a first path may determine, based on obtained first constraint information, whether the first path meets a constraint condition of a target service, and further determine whether to switch a packet forwarding path from the first path to another path. Compared with switching a packet forwarding path only based on a fault status of a path, the solution provided in this application effectively improves flexibility of path switching. In addition, it can be further ensured as much as possible that the packet forwarding path is a path that meets the constraint condition, so that a packet of the target service can be transmitted with high quality.