Segment Routing Forwarding Adjacencies for Faster Path Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet forwarding mechanisms, such as MPLS and IP routing, face inefficiencies due to complex decision-making processes that can limit network performance, particularly in networks employing LDP and SR nodes.
Innovation Solution
Implement segment routing (SR) to utilize SR forwarding tables and segment IDs for packet forwarding, eliminating the need for LDP in the control plane and enabling faster, simpler forwarding engines by making decisions based on segment IDs rather than LDP distributed labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MPLS with LDP is used for packet forwarding, then packet forwarding can be achieved through label distribution, but the decision-making process becomes complex and limits network performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding decision process by introducing segment IDs that represent specific path segments or hops. Instead of complex LDP label distribution and decision-making, each node forwards packets based on simple segment ID matching. The segment ID acts as a segmented identifier that guides packets through predetermined path segments, simplifying the forwarding decision at each node while maintaining controlled path routing.
2Speed
If LDP distributed labels are used for forwarding decisions, then packet forwarding can be achieved, but the forwarding engine complexity increases and speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex LDP label distribution mechanism from the forwarding decision process. Instead of relying on LDP-distributed labels that require complex matching and decision logic, the invention uses simplified segment IDs that are locally significant and can be directly matched against forwarding tables. This extraction of the label distribution complexity allows for faster, simpler forwarding engines that only need to perform segment ID lookup and forwarding.
3Productivity
If segment routing is implemented to simplify forwarding decisions, then forwarding speed improves, but compatibility with existing LDP-based networks may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segment routing with multi-functionality to ensure compatibility across different network domains. Segment IDs are designed to be universally applicable, allowing them to work in both SR-enabled domains and traditional LDP domains. The segment ID can represent various routing objectives (shortest path, explicit paths, policy-based routing) and can be translated or mapped when crossing domain boundaries, maintaining adaptability while enabling simplified forwarding within SR domains.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for path creation element driven dynamic setup of forwarding adjacencies and explicit path. In one embodiment of the method, a node receives an instruction to create a tunnel between the node and another node. The node creates or initiates the creation of the tunnel in response to receiving the instruction, wherein the tunnel comprises a plurality of nodes in data communication between the node and the other node. The node maps a first identifier (ID) to information relating to the tunnel. The node advertises the first ID to other nodes in a network of nodes.