Multicast Packet Forwarding via Network Slice Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing network slices, multicast services and low-priority unicast services are not distinguished, leading to shared forwarding resources that compromise the transmission quality of multicast services, such as transmission delay and packet loss.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for sending multicast packets and obtaining forwarding entries that utilize network slice identifiers to ensure transmission quality by determining and using specific network slices for multicast services, involving the use of bit forwarding routers and flexible Ethernet interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multicast packets and low-priority unicast packets share the same network slice and queue, then network resource utilization is improved, but transmission quality (delay and packet loss) of multicast service deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network slice by introducing a network slice identifier (NSID) to distinguish multicast services from unicast services within the same physical network infrastructure. This allows logical separation of traffic types while sharing physical resources, resolving the contradiction between resource utilization and service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated treatment for different service types within the network slice. Multicast packets are identified through NSID and routed through specific interfaces optimized for multicast traffic, while unicast packets follow standard routing, ensuring each service type receives appropriate quality of service.
2Device complexity
If multicast service and unicast service share a default network slice, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission delay of multicast service increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring network slice identifiers and forwarding rules in the network devices before multicast traffic arrives. This allows rapid identification and routing of multicast packets without complex real-time decisions, reducing transmission delay while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multicast packets are forwarded through shared queue scheduling, then ease of operation is improved, but packet loss of multicast service increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the network slice identifier as an intermediary element that mediates between the simple shared queue structure and the need for reliable multicast delivery. The NSID enables identification of multicast traffic without complicating the queue structure, allowing targeted quality of service while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sending a multicast packet and a related apparatus are provided. The method includes: a first network device obtains a first multicast packet, wherein the first multicast packet includes a bit string and an identifier of a network slice, the bit string corresponds to a second network device, and the network slice corresponds to a multicast service of the second network device. The first network device obtains, based on the bit string and the identifier of the network slice, a first interface corresponding to the network slice. The first network device sends the first multicast packet to the second network device by using the first interface.