Overlay Network ECMP Forwarding for Loop-Free Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks, the use of local priority strategies in equal-cost multi-path routing (ECMP) leads to inefficient data forwarding performance due to the inability to share load across nodes when the source and destination are on the same node, resulting in loops and uneven traffic distribution.
Innovation Solution
A data forwarding method that involves a management device distributing a forwarding strategy to select next hops based on whether the forwarding device is a first-hop or non-first-hop, with first-hops selecting from all ECMP group members and non-first-hops selecting from local ECMP group members, optimizing ARP and MAC tables to avoid loops and balance traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If local priority strategy is used in ECMP routing, then loops are prevented and local traffic is prioritized, but load sharing across nodes is unable to occur and data forwarding performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ECMP routing decision process into two distinct phases: route selection (where local priority is applied to prevent loops) and packet forwarding (where load sharing is enabled across all ECMP members). This segmentation allows different strategies to operate in different phases, resolving the contradiction between loop prevention and load sharing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior where the routing decision changes based on packet characteristics. For the first packet of a flow, local priority is applied; for subsequent packets, load sharing is enabled. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between loop prevention and performance optimization based on actual network conditions
2Stability of the object's composition
If local priority strategy is applied to all ECMP members, then routing loops are avoided, but traffic cannot be balanced across multiple nodes resulting in poor load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing local priority rules during route selection to ensure routing stability and prevent loops. Once the route is selected and stability is established, the system transitions to load sharing mode for actual packet forwarding, thereby preparing the network state before performance optimization is needed
3Productivity
If all ECMP members are used for forwarding, then load sharing is maximized, but routing loops may occur when source and destination are on the same node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors packet flow characteristics and adjusts forwarding behavior accordingly. When packets are identified as belonging to the same node (source and destination), local priority is applied to prevent loops. For inter-node traffic, load sharing is enabled, creating a feedback-driven adaptive system
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a data forwarding method and system, an electronic device, and a storage medium. The data forwarding method is applied to a forwarding device in an overlay network; the forwarding device is communicationally connected to a management device; the management device is configured to manage at least one forwarding device; each forwarding device includes multiple virtual members. The method includes: receiving a forwarding strategy distributed by a management device, wherein the forwarding strategy includes: if a forwarding device is a first-hop device, selecting the next hop in a first group, or if the forwarding device is a non-first-hop device, selecting the next hop in a second group, the first group contains all virtual members of an equal-cost multi-path routing (ECMP) group of the forwarding device, and the second group contains only local virtual members of the ECMP group; and performing data forwarding according to the forwarding strategy.