Host-Imposed Network Performance via Segment Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing segment routing (SR) networks lack flexibility in configuring network performance requirements, limiting the ability to tailor data packet forwarding based on specific host demands.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that enable a host to directly impose programmable network performance requirements by using segment identifiers (SIDs) in service packets, allowing for flexible configuration of forwarding paths that meet individual application needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If segment routing networks use traditional QoS configuration methods, then network performance requirements can be configured, but the configuration is not flexible enough to meet specific host demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation method by using segment identifiers (SIDs) with embedded arguments to encode network performance requirements. Instead of traditional QoS configuration parameters, the system uses SID arguments to carry performance requirement information, enabling flexible host-specific configurations without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device acts as an intermediary that translates host performance requirements into segment routing headers with appropriate SID arguments. The gateway mediates between the host's flexible requirements and the network's routing infrastructure, converting application-level performance needs into network-level forwarding instructions
2Reliability
If network performance requirements are configured traditionally, then basic QoS can be provided, but targeted forwarding based on specific host demands cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network performance requirement configuration into host-specific segments using individual SIDs for each performance requirement type (e.g., low delay, high bandwidth). Each SID acts as an independent segment that can be selectively applied, allowing hosts to control specific performance aspects while maintaining overall network reliability through standardized segment routing processing
3Adaptability or versatility
If segment identifiers with arguments are used for performance requirements, then programmable host control is enabled, but packet header complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segment identifier structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the destination, encodes network performance requirements through arguments, and enables host-specific control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms, as the SID argument field universally handles both routing identification and performance requirement specification in a single data structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A packet sending method that supports a host in imposing a network performance requirement is disclosed. The method includes: A network device receives a first service packet from the host, where the first service packet includes a first identifier, and the first identifier indicates a network performance requirement of the first service packet; the network device adds a segment list to the first service packet based on an element to obtain a second service packet, where the element includes the first identifier, and a forwarding path corresponding to the segment list meets the network performance requirement; and the network device forwards the second service packet through the forwarding path. A gateway device directly receives the network performance requirement imposed by the host, so that a manner of obtaining the network performance requirement is more flexible. In addition, the gateway device uses, as an element for determining a forwarding path of a service packet, the network performance requirement imposed by the host, so that network efficiency is improved.