Segment Routing Headers for Direct Network Performance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for performance measurement in SRv6 networks require high implementation complexity and inflexibility due to the need for specific protocols to transmit network performance parameters to a centralized controller.
Innovation Solution
A packet processing method where network nodes add segment routing headers with embedded network performance parameters, allowing direct transmission and calculation of performance metrics between nodes without relying on a centralized controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized controller is used to obtain network performance parameters through specific protocols, then network performance measurement can be implemented, but implementation complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network performance parameter collection function from the centralized controller and embeds it directly into the packet header at each network node. Each node independently records its own performance parameters (queuing delay, packet loss, bandwidth) in the segment routing header, eliminating the need for complex centralized collection protocols while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each network node performs self-measurement of its performance parameters and self-recording in the packet header. The nodes autonomously generate and attach performance data without requiring controller intervention, transforming the system from controller-dependent to node-autonomous operation, thereby reducing implementation complexity.
2Reliability
If a centralized controller is used to obtain network performance parameters, then performance measurement can be implemented, but flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the performance parameter collection mechanism dynamic by allowing each node to independently determine and record its own performance metrics in the packet header. This dynamic approach enables flexible adaptation to different network conditions and measurement requirements without relying on fixed centralized protocols, thereby improving system flexibility while maintaining measurement reliability.
3Reliability
If network performance parameters are transmitted to a centralized controller, then performance measurement is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding performance parameter recording directly into the packet forwarding process at each node. Instead of collecting data and transmitting it to a controller afterward, the nodes perform measurement and recording in real-time during packet transmission, eliminating the time-consuming centralized collection process while ensuring reliable performance measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a packet processing method, a network node, and a system. The method includes: obtaining, by a first network node, a first packet that includes a segment list, where the segment list includes a segment identifier of a network node on a path used to forward the first packet; obtaining, by the first network node, a segment identifier of a second network node from the segment list, where the second network node is a next-hop segment node of the first network node on the path; replacing, by the first network node, a destination address of the first packet with the segment identifier of the second network node, and adding a network performance parameter of the first network node to the segment list, to generate a second packet; and sending, by the first network node, the second packet to the second network node. The network performance parameter of the first network node is carried by using the segment list, so that transmission of the network performance parameter is more convenient, and the network performance parameter of the first network node can be sent to the second network node when the first network node forwards the packet.