Network Device On-Demand PCEP Connection for Path Computation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network scenarios where all devices act as Path Computation Clients (PCCs), establishing PCEP session connections to a Path Computation Element (PCE) leads to a large number of idle session connections, resulting in high resource overheads.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first network device determines the need for a second network device to assist in determining the forwarding path based on service requirements, establishing a connection only as needed, using PCEP or TCP connections to request assistance from the second device for path computation, thereby reducing idle connections and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all network devices establish PCEP session connections to the PCE in advance, then path computation can be ensured, but a large quantity of idle session connections is generated causing high resource overheads
Solution Approach 1:
The PCC proactively establishes PCEP session connections to the PCE before path computation is needed, ensuring that the connection is ready when required. This resolves the contradiction by having the client (PCC) perform the preliminary action of connection establishment rather than requiring all devices to maintain continuous connections, thereby ensuring path computation reliability while reducing resource overhead from idle connections.
2Productivity
If PCEP session connections are established in advance, then path computation requests can be sent immediately, but connection establishment overhead and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the connection establishment responsibility by having the PCC (path computation client) independently establish connections to the PCE, rather than requiring a centralized connection management approach where all devices connect to every PCE. This segmentation reduces device complexity and connection management overhead while maintaining fast path computation capability when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all network devices serve as PCCs and establish connections to PCE, then path computation capability is distributed, but the number of active connections and resource usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic connection establishment where PCCs establish PCEP session connections to the PCE only when path computation assistance is actually needed, rather than maintaining static continuous connections. This dynamic approach preserves distributed path computation capability across all network devices while significantly reducing the quantity of active connections at any given time, thereby lowering resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A service processing method includes that a first network device determines a second network device on a forwarding path of a packet based on a service requirement; the first network device sends a first message to the second network device, to establish a first connection to the second network device; and the first network device sends a second message to the second network device using the first connection, where the second message requests the second network device to assist in determining information related to the forwarding path. when determining the second network device is needed to assist the first network device for information related to the forwarding path of the packet, the first network device actively establishes a connection to the second network device, and requests, using the established connection, the second network device to assist the first network device in determining the information related to the forwarding path.