Segment Routing Traceroute via FEC Query Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nodes within a network often lack direct access to Forwarding Equivalence Classes (FECs) corresponding to binding Segment Identifier (SID) labels, preventing them from performing traceroute operations across segment routing paths.
Innovation Solution
A method where a node receives an MPLS echo request, determines the presence of a FEC query, and notifies the adjacent node by sending an MPLS echo reply that identifies the corresponding FEC, enabling the node to retrieve and apply the FEC for subsequent traceroute operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nodes rely on direct access to FECs for traceroute operations, then traceroute accuracy is improved, but network node accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where nodes that lack direct FEC access can query adjacent nodes for FEC information. The adjacent node acts as a mediator that provides the necessary FEC data to nodes that cannot access it directly, thereby enabling traceroute operations across the entire network path while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes FEC information universally accessible to all nodes in the network, not just those with direct access. By implementing a query mechanism where any node can request FEC information from adjacent nodes, the system achieves multi-functionality where FEC data serves both directly-accessing nodes and indirectly-querying nodes, enabling all nodes to perform traceroute operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nodes without direct FEC access perform traceroute, then network diagnostic capability is improved, but information retrieval complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjacent node serves as an intermediary that simplifies the information retrieval process. Instead of implementing complex FEC lookup mechanisms in every node, the system uses simple query-response interactions where nodes can request FEC information from their adjacent nodes, reducing the complexity burden to a simple messaging protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node maintains its own FEC information and can serve itself and its neighbors. When a node needs FEC information, it queries its adjacent node which already has the information readily available. This self-service approach avoids the need for complex centralized FEC management systems while enabling all nodes to obtain necessary information.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method may include (1) receiving, at a node within a network, an MPLS echo request from an additional node adjacent to the node, (2) determining that a FEC query is included in a FEC stack of the MPLS echo request and then, in response to determining that the FEC query is included in the FEC stack of the MPLS echo request, (3) determining at least one FEC that corresponds to a label included in a label stack of the MPLS echo request, and then (4) notifying the additional node of the FEC that corresponds to the label included in the label stack by sending, to the additional node, an MPLS echo reply that identifies the FEC that corresponds to the label. Various other systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.