Multicast Packet Processing with Multi-Level Flow Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current iFIT detection solutions cannot identify and perform packet loss and delay measurement, as well as path restoration, for multicast flows in point-to-multipoint scenarios due to the inability to distinguish between replicated multicast flows.
Innovation Solution
A multicast packet processing method and device that generate and send multiple multicast packets with unique multi-level flow identifiers to identify and distinguish between different forwarding paths of a payload, enabling in-situ flow information telemetry on each multicast flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iFIT detection is applied to multicast flows, then network performance monitoring capability is improved, but the ability to identify and distinguish replicated multicast flows deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow identification process by introducing multi-level flow identifiers that divide the identification hierarchy into network device level and flow level. This segmentation allows each replicated multicast flow to be uniquely identified while maintaining the overall flow structure, resolving the contradiction between monitoring capability and identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to flow identification by incorporating network device identifiers into the flow identifier structure. This dimensional extension transforms the identification from a single-level flow ID to a multi-level structure that includes both device and flow dimensions, enabling unique identification of replicated flows across different network devices.
2Loss of information
If multiple multicast packets are generated with unique identifiers, then flow identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the multi-level flow identifier structure at the source network device before replication occurs. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time identification logic at each replication point, reducing device complexity while maintaining identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating the identifier structure across multiple packets. Instead of creating complex identification logic, the system copies the multi-level identifier format to each replicated packet, simplifying the processing at each network device while enabling unique flow identification.
3Measurement precision
If in-situ flow information telemetry information is added to multicast packets, then detection capability is improved, but packet structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow identification function and the telemetry detection function into a unified packet structure. By combining the multi-level flow identifier with the in-situ flow information telemetry information in a single integrated header, the patent reduces overall packet structure complexity while maintaining both identification and detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal packet header structure that serves multiple functions simultaneously: flow identification, replication tracking, and performance telemetry. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate structures for each function, reducing overall complexity while enhancing detection capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multicast packet processing method and a device are disclosed. The method includes: A first network device obtains a data packet; and the first network device generates a first multicast packet and a second multicast packet based on the data packet. The first multicast packet includes first iFIT information and a first multi-level flow identifier. The second multicast packet includes the first iFIT information and a second multi-level flow identifier. The first multi-level flow identifier and the second multi-level flow identifier are different, to identify different forwarding paths of the generated first multicast packet and second multicast packet respectively. In the method, in a point-to-multipoint multicast data flow transmission scenario, a plurality of multicast data flows can be identified, to perform iFIT detection on each of the plurality of data flows, so as to implement packet loss and delay detection, path restoration, and the like for the multicast data flows.