Ring Network Packet Routing via Segment Routing Header
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Traffic Engineering (TE) techniques in ring communication networks often fail to route packets efficiently, leading to suboptimal routing, unreliable failure detection, and inaccurate performance monitoring due to unidirectional segments and hop-by-hop methods, which can result in packets not traversing the intended path and producing false negative results.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Segment Routing (SR) with a Segment Routing Header (SRH) that includes a Ring SID and Node SID, allowing packets to be steered through a ring topology with clockwise or counter-clockwise directions, and enabling reply packets to traverse the same nodes as request packets by using complementary Ring SIDs, ensuring accurate path traversal and failure detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional Traffic Engineering techniques are used for packet routing in ring networks, then routing simplicity is maintained, but routing efficiency and accuracy deteriorate due to unidirectional segments and hop-by-hop methods
Solution Approach 1:
The routing path is segmented into multiple directed segments, each represented by a target node identifier and direction identifier pair. This segmentation allows the packet to traverse the ring network in a controlled manner, visiting specific nodes in a predetermined sequence rather than using simple hop-by-hop routing. The segment list in the header enables the packet to follow an optimized path through the ring network.
Solution Approach 2:
The complete routing information including all target node identifiers, direction identifiers, and segment counts is预先 embedded in the packet header at the source node. This preliminary action eliminates the need for intermediate nodes to make routing decisions, allowing the packet to traverse the network according to a pre-planned path. The source node performs all routing calculations and path optimization in advance.
2Reliability
If unidirectional segments are used in conventional TE, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but failure detection reliability deteriorates due to false negative results
Solution Approach 1:
The packet header includes a segment left counter that is decremented at each visited node, providing feedback on path traversal progress. This feedback mechanism allows the source node to verify that the packet visited all intended nodes in the correct sequence. The counter serves as a verification tool to detect failures or deviations from the intended path, improving failure detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical failure detection mechanisms with a software-based verification system using the segment list and counter in the packet header. Instead of requiring separate monitoring systems or complex signaling protocols, the routing header itself carries the verification information, substituting a simpler information-processing approach for more complex hardware-based monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If hop-by-hop routing methods are used, then routing flexibility is maintained, but performance monitoring accuracy deteriorates due to packets not traversing intended paths
Solution Approach 1:
The packet header serves multiple functions: it routes the packet through the network, tracks the traversal progress, and enables performance monitoring. The segment list and direction identifiers not only guide the packet but also provide a built-in verification mechanism to ensure the packet visited all intended nodes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing control from dynamic hop-by-hop decisions to static pre-defined parameters embedded in the header. By encoding the complete path as a sequence of target node identifiers and direction identifiers, the system transforms routing from a distributed decision-making process to a parameter-driven traversal, ensuring packets follow the intended path for accurate performance monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet communication method that generates a header that includes information to route a packet through a ring communication network is described. The header can include a target node identifier that identifies a target node to which the packet is to travel, and a direction identifier that identifies a direction to be traversed by the packet through the ring communication network. In some embodiments, the direction indicated by the direction identifier can be clockwise or counter-clockwise relative to a starting node from which the packet is to travel.