Segment Routing Flexible Algorithm Auto-Mesh for Zero-Touch Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large metro networks, configuring a full mesh of nodes for service connectivity without explicit transport creation is burdensome and resource-intensive, especially when multiple groups of nodes require auto-mesh connectivity, leading to inefficient tunnel creation and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Segment Routing (SR) Flexible Algorithm (Flex Algo) with an auto-mesh plane definition (FAD) that includes a new sub-Type-Length-Value (TLV) and a flag in the Prefix SID TLV to designate destination nodes, allowing nodes to automatically create transport and service connectivity without manual configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional auto-mesh configuration is used to create full mesh connectivity between nodes, then service connectivity is established, but configuration complexity and operational burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables nodes to automatically discover and establish mesh connectivity without manual configuration. Nodes autonomously determine their roles (destination vs. transit), automatically create tunnels to destination nodes, and manage their own routing without operator intervention, thereby eliminating configuration burden while maintaining service connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the configuration approach by introducing new parameters including a flag bit in Prefix SID TLV to designate destination nodes, and a new sub-TLV for auto-mesh capability. These parameter changes enable nodes to automatically interpret and act on connectivity requirements without manual configuration commands.
2Reliability
If manual configuration of auto-mesh is performed in large networks, then connectivity is established, but scalability deteriorates due to extensive selection and configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Nodes automatically discover destination nodes through advertisements containing the flag bit and sub-TLV, autonomously determine connectivity requirements, and self-configure tunnels without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism scales efficiently in large networks as nodes dynamically adapt to network changes without requiring reconfiguration by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes perform preliminary actions by advertising their destination node status and auto-mesh capability in advance using standardized TLVs. This preliminary information exchange enables other nodes to automatically build connectivity maps and establish tunnels without requiring manual configuration, thereby supporting network scalability.
3Reliability
If extensive tunnel creation is performed for auto-mesh connectivity, then service coverage is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by differentiating node roles (destination nodes vs. transit nodes) and creating tunnels only where necessary. Transit nodes establish connectivity only to destination nodes rather than all nodes, and destination nodes create tunnels only to other destination nodes, thereby reducing unnecessary tunnel creation and resource consumption while maintaining service coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements partial action by creating tunnels only for destination-to-destination connectivity rather than all possible node connections. Transit nodes perform partial connectivity establishment by routing traffic through themselves only when necessary, avoiding the excessive action of creating full mesh tunnels between all nodes and thereby reducing resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and nodes are disclosed for simultaneous participation in multiple auto-mesh planes defined by distinct Flexible Algorithm Definitions (FADs) in a Segment Routing network. A node advertises, for each auto-mesh plane, a respective Prefix Segment Identifier (SID) including an indication designating the node as either a destination node or a non-destination node. Based on received Prefix SID advertisements and associated indications from other nodes, the node automatically configures transport paths to other nodes identified as destination nodes independently within each auto-mesh plane. The node may dynamically alter its destination status indication for at least one auto-mesh plane and reconfigure transport paths accordingly.