IPv6 Service Information Extension Header for Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IPv6 protocols fail to effectively differentiate between various services, such as video and data services, due to limitations in the Traffic Class and Flow Label fields, and lack sufficient service information transmission mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for sending and receiving IPv6 data packets that include a service information extension header or option, carrying service information like a service provider ID, allowing for service classification, statistics, and analysis, using a new extension header or option within the hop-by-hop or destination options extension headers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Traffic Class field and Flow Label field are used in IPv6 header, then packet classification and flow identification is enabled, but service differentiation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service information transmission by introducing a separate Service Information Extension Header that is optional and can be selectively added to IPv6 packets. This allows service differentiation information to be carried without modifying the core header structure, enabling granular service identification while maintaining backward compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an extension header as an intermediary mechanism to carry service information between the network layer and application layer. This extension header acts as a mediator that provides service differentiation capabilities without requiring fundamental changes to the IPv6 protocol structure.
2Loss of information
If existing extension headers are used, then some management information can be transmitted, but service information about service data packets cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The Service Information Extension Header is designed to be universally applicable across different network scenarios and service types. It can carry various kinds of service information (video service, data service, voice service, etc.) using a standardized structure, making it a multi-functional solution that handles diverse service differentiation needs without requiring multiple specialized headers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to the IPv6 packet structure by introducing an optional extension header that operates alongside the existing header fields. This new dimension allows service information to be carried without interfering with the traditional Traffic Class and Flow Label fields, enabling enhanced service differentiation while maintaining the existing protocol framework.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hop-by-hop options extension header is used, then management information to all routers can be transmitted, but service differentiation for different service types is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The Service Information Extension Header introduces local quality differentiation by allowing each packet to carry specific service information relevant to its type (video, data, voice). This enables fine-grained service classification at the packet level, allowing network devices to apply different handling policies based on the specific service characteristics carried in the extension header.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for sending and receiving IPv6 data packets. By adding a new service information extension header in an IPv6 data packet header, or adding a new service information option in a hop-by-hop options extension header or a destination options extension header of the IPv6 data packet header, embodiments of the present invention are capable of carrying the service information about a service data packet in the IPv6 data packet. In addition, by detecting the service information extension header, or detecting the service information option in the hop-by-hop options extension header or the destination options extension header, embodiments of the present invention are capable of correspondingly obtaining the service information about the service data packet carried in the IPv6 data packet. Embodiments of the present invention are capable of carrying the service information about a service data packet in the IPv6 data packet, wherein the service information may be used to perform processing such as classification, statistics collection, or analysis about IPv6 data packets to facilitate network management and monitoring, and facilitate using network resources more reasonably.