Segment-Identifier Forwarding Entries for Loop-Free Backup Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network resource waste and congestion occur due to loop problems during packet forwarding when backup forwarding paths are used, especially in network scenarios involving network devices connected to access and backbone networks.
Innovation Solution
Generate forwarding entries that include segment identifiers of specified network devices, allowing packets to be forwarded based on these identifiers to avoid loops and optimize path selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup forwarding path is used to forward packets when the primary path is faulty, then network transmission reliability is improved, but network resource waste and congestion occur due to loop problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds segment identifiers in forwarding entries before packet transmission occurs. When the primary forwarding path fails, network devices can immediately utilize these pre-configured segment identifiers to redirect packets along alternative paths without causing loops, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding resource waste from unnecessary looped transmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces segment identifiers as an intermediary mechanism between the primary and backup forwarding paths. These segment identifiers act as mediators that guide packet forwarding decisions, enabling smooth transition to backup paths when needed while preventing the loop problems that would otherwise cause network resource waste
2Reliability
If a backup forwarding path is used to forward packets, then transmission reliability is improved, but network congestion occurs due to loop problems
Solution Approach 1:
Forwarding entries are pre-configured with segment identifiers that encode the intended forwarding path. When primary paths fail, devices can immediately switch to backup paths using these pre-established identifiers, avoiding the formation of loops that would cause network congestion and maintain transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The segment identifier mechanism provides feedback information about the intended forwarding path to network devices. This feedback enables devices to make informed forwarding decisions on backup paths, preventing them from sending packets back along paths that would create loops and congestion
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a forwarding entry generation method, a packet sending method, a network device, and a system, so that a specified network device cannot use a backup forwarding path to forward a packet, thereby reducing, to some extent, a technical problem such as network resource waste or network congestion caused by a loop problem. The method includes: A first network device obtains routing information advertised by a second network device; and the first network device determines that the routing information advertised by the second network device matches a summary route stored in the first network device, and generates, based on a segment identifier of the second network device, a forwarding entry corresponding to the summary route. The forwarding entry includes the segment identifier of the second network device, and a forwarding path corresponding to the forwarding entry passes through the second network device.