Updating IOAM Fields Across Multiple Protocol Headers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet switching networks face challenges in efficiently processing multiple-protocol packets, as operations data fields associated with different protocols are maintained independently, lacking direct indication of ordering and requiring separate processing capabilities for each protocol, which limits the ability to update operations data across protocol headers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves updating the operations data field associated with a different protocol header, specifically leveraging the capability to update In-situ Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (IOAM) data fields at a predetermined position within the packet, even if the node is not capable of processing the secondary protocol, allowing for improved operations processing across multiple protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operations data fields for different protocols are maintained independently, then each protocol can be processed separately, but the ability to update operations data across protocol headers is limited and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a network node to update operations data fields associated with different protocols using a unified processing mechanism. The system allows protocol processing of one protocol to update fields associated with another protocol, eliminating the need for separate processing capabilities for each protocol while maintaining the ability to handle multiple protocol types.
2Reliability
If separate processing capabilities are required for each protocol, then protocol-specific operations can be performed accurately, but the network node must support all protocols which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the network node to perform protocol-specific operations indirectly through a unified processing framework. The node can update operations data fields for different protocols without requiring dedicated processing capabilities for each protocol, as the system leverages the capability to update IOAM data fields at predetermined positions within packets regardless of protocol type.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple-protocol packets are processed with independent operations data fields, then protocol boundaries are maintained, but ordering indication between protocols is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing predetermined positions for IOAM data fields within packet structures before processing occurs. This allows the system to maintain protocol boundaries while simultaneously preserving ordering information, as the predetermined positions enable the network node to update and track operations data across different protocols in the correct sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, network operations are improved by performing updating operations data in an operations data field associated with the header of a particular protocol during the processing of a different protocol. A particular multiple-protocol (MP) packet is received by a particular network node in a network. The particular MP packet includes multiple protocol headers, including a first protocol header associated with a first protocol and a second protocol header associated with a second protocol. Further, the second protocol header associated with a second operations data field. During protocol processing of the first protocol on the particular MP packet, the second operations data field updated with particular operations data. The particular MP packet is sent from the particular network node, with said sent particular MP packet including said updated second operations data field with particular operations data.