Packet Processing for BIER Network Nodes with Limited Protocol Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
In networks utilizing BIER technology, nodes that do not support complete BIER technology face difficulties in upgrading and supporting the protocol, leading to issues with normal packet forwarding, especially when there are many egress nodes with varying performance levels.
Innovation Solution
A packet processing method and apparatus that determine the type and start location of a payload within a packet, allowing for forwarding even if a node does not support complete BIER technology, by skipping or parsing headers and using offset calculations to identify payload data, and transmitting it to the appropriate receiving end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete BIER technology is deployed in all network nodes, then packet forwarding capability is improved, but device complexity and upgrade difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the BIER technology support into two levels: nodes that can support complete BIER technology and nodes that cannot. This segmentation allows the network to accommodate both types of nodes without requiring universal upgrading, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved packet forwarding capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where nodes that cannot support complete BIER technology can still forward packets by using alternative methods (such as traditional routing protocols) while nodes with full BIER support use the optimized BIER forwarding. This intermediary approach allows gradual deployment and mixed operation of different technology levels.
2Productivity
If all egress nodes are upgraded to support complete BIER technology, then packet forwarding efficiency is improved, but upgrade difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing only some egress nodes to be upgraded to complete BIER technology while others remain with traditional support. This partial upgrading approach improves overall packet forwarding efficiency without requiring the excessive action of upgrading every single node, thereby reducing upgrade difficulty and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of technology support capability from a binary state (either complete BIER support or no support) to a continuous spectrum where nodes can have different levels of support. This parameter change allows flexible deployment strategies where nodes can be upgraded at different paces based on their specific conditions.
3Reliability
If BIER technology is deployed in a network with varying node performances, then packet forwarding capability is improved, but compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the packet forwarding system universal by designing it to handle multiple types of nodes with different BIER technology support capabilities. The system can automatically adapt to whether a node has full BIER support or traditional support, making it versatile enough to work across heterogeneous network environments without compromising reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a packet processing method and apparatus, and a storage medium and an electronic apparatus. The method includes: receiving a target packet from an ingress node; determining a type of a payload contained in the target packet and a start location of the payload; performing a payload parsing operation on the target packet based on the type of the payload and the start location of the payload to obtain payload data of the payload; and forwarding the payload data to a receiving end.