Network Device Packet Measurement via Reverse Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing in-band operation, administration, and maintenance (IOAM) method for network transmission path status measurement requires separate deployments for unidirectional and bidirectional traffic, leading to a heavy workload and difficulty in implementation.
Innovation Solution
A packet measurement method that uses reverse measurement indication information to indicate the reverse packet flow, allowing for a single deployment to measure bidirectional traffic by adding this information to the first packet flow, which is then forwarded along the forwarding path, enabling network devices to identify and measure the reverse packet flow based on this indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate deployments are performed for unidirectional and bidirectional traffic measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and workload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of bidirectional traffic into a single deployment by using reverse measurement indication information. The ingress node adds this indication to packets in the forward direction, enabling the egress node to perform reverse flow measurement without requiring a separate deployment configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement deployment is made universal by enabling a single configuration to handle both unidirectional and bidirectional traffic measurement. The reverse measurement indication mechanism allows the same deployment to automatically adapt to bidirectional measurement needs, eliminating the requirement for separate unidirectional and bidirectional deployment configurations.
2Measurement precision
If separate deployments are performed for unidirectional and bidirectional traffic measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of bidirectional traffic into a single deployment by using reverse measurement indication information. The ingress node adds this indication to packets in the forward direction, enabling the egress node to perform reverse flow measurement without requiring a separate deployment configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating reverse flow measurement capabilities through the reverse measurement indication embedded in forward traffic packets. The egress node automatically creates the reverse measurement context without requiring manual configuration, making the deployment process simpler and more operator-friendly.
3Measurement precision
If packet identification uses IP address, then measurement precision is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding a flow identifier to packets at the ingress node before they enter the network. This pre-added identifier enables faster packet recognition and measurement processing at intermediate and egress nodes, reducing processing time compared to full IP address matching while maintaining measurement accuracy through the unique flow identification.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet measurement method includes obtaining, by a network device, reverse measurement indication information that is used to indicate a request to measure a reverse packet flow of a first packet flow, after receiving the first packet flow, adding, by the network device, the reverse measurement indication information to a packet in the first packet flow, and sending, by the network device, the packet that is in the first packet flow and that carries the reverse measurement indication information. By adding the reverse measuring indication information to the packet in the first packet flow, the method indicates a request to another network device on the packet forwarding path to measure the reverse packet flow of the first packet flow. Measurement on bidirectional packet flows is implemented through one measurement deployment.