IPv6 Path Tracing via DOH-PT Header for General Fabric Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing path tracing implementations are limited to deployment within SRv6 networks and cannot be deployed in general IPv6 networks due to dependencies on SRv6 for encoding path tracing information and triggering the PT sink node to forward probes to the Regional Collector.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves defining a new IPv6 Option, called DOH-PT, for Path Tracing, which is carried in the IPv6 Destination Options Header, and introducing a new behavior at the PT Sink node to forward path-tracing probes to the Regional Collector based on the presence of the DOH-PT header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If path tracing is implemented using existing SRv6-dependent methods, then path tracing functionality is achieved within SRv6 networks, but deployment is limited to SRv6 networks only and cannot be deployed in general IPv6 networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the path tracing functionality from its SRv6-dependent implementation and creates a standalone IPv6 option (DOH-PT) that can operate independently of SRv6. This separates the path tracing mechanism from the SRv6 protocol requirements, allowing deployment in general IPv6 networks without SRv6 infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The DOH-PT option is designed to provide universal path tracing capability across all IPv6 networks, not just SRv6 networks. The option can be carried in standard IPv6 packets and works with any IPv6 router, making the path tracing functionality universal and applicable to diverse network environments.
2Reliability
If SRv6 is used for encoding path tracing information and triggering probe forwarding, then path tracing works reliably in SRv6 networks, but the system becomes dependent on SRv6 infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The DOH-PT option acts as an intermediary mechanism that carries path tracing information through standard IPv6 networks without requiring SRv6-specific infrastructure. The option includes fields for encoding path tracing data and triggers probe forwarding at the destination, serving as a mediator between the path tracing function and the underlying IPv6 network.
3Device complexity
If path tracing is limited to SRv6 networks, then implementation complexity is reduced, but the applicability and widespread deployment capability are significantly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the path tracing functionality into a distinct IPv6 option (DOH-PT) that can be independently implemented and deployed. This segmentation allows network operators to enable path tracing selectively in IPv6 networks without requiring full SRv6 deployment, facilitating faster and more flexible rollout.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and techniques are provided for path tracing. For example, a process can include establishing a path tracing session associated with path tracing (PT) probe packets from a PT source node of an IPv6 network fabric. A PT probe packet can be received with a first IPv6 Destination Options Header with Path Tracing Option (DOH-PT) header that encodes path tracing information of the PT source node and indicates respective path tracing information for each PT midpoint node along a path from the PT source node to a PT sink node of the IPv6 network fabric. The received PT probe packet can be updated to include a second DOH-PT header that encodes path tracing information of the PT sink node. An updated PT probe packet includes the first and second DOH-PT headers and can be encapsulated with an additional IPv6 header corresponding to forwarding information of a collector node.