IPv6 Extension Header Processing for Data Plane Packet Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
IPv6 packets cannot be normally forwarded by network devices due to undefined actions for extension headers, leading to increased pressure on the control plane and potential packet loss from insufficient bandwidth resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a new IPv6 extension header that specifies actions to be performed on the data plane, ensuring that network devices process IPv6 packets efficiently without relying on the control plane, thereby reducing bandwidth strain and enabling normal packet forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network devices process IPv6 extension headers on the control plane, then packet forwarding can be performed, but the control plane bandwidth resources are insufficient leading to packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function by separating extension header processing from the control plane and relocating it to the data plane. This division allows the control plane to focus on routing decisions while the data plane handles extension header processing, thereby resolving the bandwidth resource insufficiency on the control plane while maintaining reliable packet forwarding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the data plane acts as a mediator between packet reception and control plane processing. By processing extension headers in the data plane first, the system prepares packets before they reach the control plane, reducing the bandwidth burden on the control plane while ensuring forwarding reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network devices use private configurations for IPv6 extension headers, then service requirements can be met, but interoperability between devices from different vendors is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal processing mechanism in the data plane that can handle multiple types of IPv6 extension headers through a unified approach. This multi-functional capability allows different vendors' devices to process various extension headers consistently, ensuring interoperability while still meeting diverse service requirements through configurable processing rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the data plane processing configuration, allowing network devices to adjust processing behavior based on service requirements while maintaining a standardized interface. This flexibility ensures that devices from different vendors can interoperate by following common processing parameters while adapting to specific service needs.
3Productivity
If IPv6 packets are forwarded through the control plane, then packet processing can be performed, but the processing efficiency is reduced due to insufficient bandwidth resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing workload by separating extension header processing (data plane) from routing decisions (control plane). This segmentation improves productivity by handling the bulk of processing in the data plane, which has sufficient bandwidth resources, while the control plane only handles essential routing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the data plane as an intermediary that processes extension headers before packets reach the control plane. This intermediary mechanism improves processing efficiency by pre-processing packets in the data plane, reducing the workload on the control plane and eliminating bandwidth resource bottlenecks.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a packet processing method, a device, and a system. The method includes: A second network device receives an IPv6 packet sent by a first network device, where the IPv6 packet includes an IPv6 header and a first IPv6 extension header, and the first IPv6 extension header indicates that a network device receiving the IPv6 packet is to perform an action in the first IPv6 extension header on a data plane; and the second network device performs the action in the first IPv6 extension header on the data plane of the second network device based on the IPv6 header and the first IPv6 extension header. This ensures that the network device receiving the IPv6 packet can normally forward the IPv6 packet.