Network Service Header Session ID Propagation for Media Stream Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Service Function Chaining technologies face challenges in efficiently propagating and utilizing session identifiers across network service functions for media session identification, correlation, and intelligent service applications, particularly in multimedia communication systems, often relying on complex mechanisms or deep packet inspection.
Innovation Solution
The use of Network Service Headers to propagate session identifiers across Service Function Chains, enabling media-session-aware service function application and correlation by encapsulating session identifiers within metadata headers, allowing for flexible service function decisions and media stream reclassification without requiring deep packet inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deep packet inspection is used to identify media sessions, then session identification accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the session identification function from deep packet inspection by introducing a dedicated session identifier field in the packet header. This separates the identification task from general packet analysis, allowing simple field matching instead of complex inspection while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a session identifier as an intermediary element that mediates between the media session and the service function chain. This identifier acts as a key that enables efficient lookup and correlation without requiring deep inspection of packet contents.
2Loss of information
If session identifiers are propagated across all service functions, then service correlation capability is improved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The session identifier is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it enables service correlation, supports service function chaining, facilitates media session tracking, and enables intelligent service applications. This multi-functionality justifies the overhead by providing comprehensive session management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The session identifier is inserted into the packet header at the beginning of the service function chain processing, allowing all subsequent service functions to immediately access session information without requiring additional lookup or inspection operations.
3Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used for media session identification, then identification reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified copy of the session identifier from the signaling plane and propagates it through the media plane packets. This copying approach maintains reliability by preserving the original session identification information while using a simple, standardized format that reduces system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A network node in a service function chaining system receives multiple media streams of a media session between endpoints. Each media stream is encapsulated with a service header indicating a service function path and a session identifier. The network node determines that multiple service functions connected to the network node perform a particular service function in the service function path. The network node provides all of the media streams of the media session to a single service function instance to ensure that the media session is processed by the single service function.