In-situ OAM Sampling via Selective Packet Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet networks lack support for certain Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) operations, limiting the ability to manage and diagnose issues, as they do not allow for fault detection, isolation, and other necessary network management tasks.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a source edge node modifies data packets by encapsulating an OAM header with a data type bitmap, valid node bitmap, and valid data bitmap, and selectively issues these packets to reduce the processing load on network nodes by only adding OAM data to a subset of packets, indicating whether nodes can provide data and what types of data are available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If OAM headers are added to all data packets for complete network management coverage, then fault detection and isolation capability is improved, but processing load on network nodes and overall OAM data quantity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adding OAM headers to only a select subset of data packets rather than all packets. The source edge node determines which packets receive OAM headers based on sampling criteria, reducing the processing load on network nodes while still providing sufficient data for fault detection and network management operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The source edge node performs preliminary action by pre-determining which data packets should contain OAM headers before they are transmitted through the network. This upfront selection and marking of packets reduces the processing burden on intermediate network nodes, as they only need to forward pre-selected OAM packets without needing to make decisions about which packets require OAM handling.
2Loss of information
If OAM data is collected from all network nodes, then complete network monitoring is achieved, but redundant data is generated and node capability limitations are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different network nodes to have different capabilities regarding OAM data collection. The valid node bitmap and valid data bitmap track which nodes are capable of providing specific types of OAM data, enabling the system to request data only from nodes that can provide it, thereby avoiding redundant data collection and respecting node capability limitations while maintaining comprehensive network monitoring coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet networks implement traditional OAM operations, then network management functionality is improved, but compatibility with existing Ethernet infrastructure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by embedding OAM headers within existing Ethernet data packets. The OAM header is nested inside the data packet structure, allowing OAM operations to be performed in-band alongside regular data traffic. This approach enables Ethernet networks to support OAM functionality without requiring separate dedicated OAM channels or fundamental protocol changes, thereby maintaining compatibility with existing Ethernet infrastructure while adding OAM versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to technology for sending network management information in a network. A source edge node modifies data packets by encapsulating an operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) header in a select number of the data packets. The OAM header includes a data type bitmap and a node data list. A valid node bitmap is inserted into the OAM header prior to the node data list, and each bit in the valid node bitmap identifies whether one or more nodes in the network add data to the OAM header. A valid data bitmap is then added into the OAM header for each of the one or more nodes identified as adding data to the OAM header. The valid data bitmap indicates types of data items available at the node. Subsequently, the edge node issues the select data packets to the one or more nodes identified in the OAM header.