Packet Forwarding Using Mixed-Length Compressed Segment Identifiers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The lengthy segment identifier list in SRv6 networks increases network resource occupation and packet processing difficulty due to the 128-bit length of each SID, leading to reduced transmission and processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implement a packet forwarding method using a segment list with mixed-length compressed segment identifiers, where the first-type compressed segment identifier is shorter than the second-type, allowing for a more efficient network deployment and simplified network planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard 128-bit segment identifiers are used in SRv6 networks, then each SID can uniquely identify network segments, but the segment list becomes excessively long, increasing network resource occupation and reducing transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 128-bit SID into multiple shorter identifier fields within the segment list. Instead of using a single long identifier, the SID is divided into multiple shorter components that can be processed in smaller units, reducing the overall length of the segment list while maintaining unique identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension long identifier (128-bit SID) to a multi-dimension structure with multiple shorter identifier fields. By organizing identifiers across multiple dimensions (different field positions and types), the system achieves the same identification capacity with reduced total length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lengthy segment identifier list is used to specify forwarding paths, then comprehensive path control is achieved, but packet processing difficulty increases due to the length exceeding packet window read limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lengthy segment list into multiple shorter identifier fields that can be read within standard packet window limits. This segmentation allows network devices to process the segment list in manageable chunks without requiring multiple read operations, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining full path control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of identifier length from fixed 128-bit to variable shorter lengths. By adjusting the length parameter of segment identifiers to be shorter and more manageable, the system fits within packet window read limits and simplifies processing while preserving forwarding path control through the structured arrangement of multiple identifier fields.
3Productivity
If compressed segment identifiers with uniform short length are used, then segment list length is reduced, but the ability to represent diverse network segments and functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each identifier field have its own optimized length and characteristics suited to its specific function. Different positions in the segment list can have different identifier types and lengths, allowing each local segment to be represented with appropriate detail while maintaining overall efficiency. This localized optimization preserves representation capability without requiring uniform long identifiers throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining multiple types of identifier fields with different lengths and properties. Rather than using a single uniform identifier type, the system composes the segment list from diverse identifier components (shorter and longer fields in different positions), achieving both compression efficiency and comprehensive representation capability through this composite approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a packet forwarding method. In the method, a first network device generates a first packet, where the first packet includes a segment list corresponding to a forwarding path of the first packet, the segment list includes a plurality of sequentially arranged compressed segment identifiers, a length of each of the plurality of compressed segment identifiers is less than 128 bits, the plurality of compressed segment identifiers include a first-type compressed segment identifier and a second-type compressed segment identifier, a length of the first-type compressed segment identifier is a first length, a length of the second-type compressed segment identifier is a second length, and the first length is less than the second length. The first network device sends the first packet based on the segment list.