Segment Routing Performance Measurement Using Piggybacked PMF Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current performance measurement architectures are limited to either active or passive measurement methods, fail to support out-of-order scenarios, and are not applicable to segment routing or non-IP traffic, lacking flexibility and comprehensive measurement capabilities across various network technologies and routing types.
Innovation Solution
A performance measurement architecture that integrates segment routing, enabling flexible measurement of packet loss, delay, and throughput by piggybacking PM information in data packets or dedicated control packets, using a new PMF identifier for statistics collection, and supporting multiple segments and PM types within a single packet, while being agnostic to LSP types and behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If performance measurement information is carried in separate dedicated packets, then measurement accuracy is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines performance measurement information with data packets by piggybacking PM data in the MPLS label stack. Instead of using separate dedicated measurement packets, the measurement information is merged into the existing data packet structure, specifically utilizing the MPLS label fields to carry performance measurement data, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The MPLS label structure is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both forwarding information and performance measurement information simultaneously. The same MPLS label that directs packet forwarding also contains fields for performance measurement data, making a single structure serve multiple purposes and eliminating the need for separate measurement packets
2Adaptability or versatility
If segment routing is implemented with comprehensive performance measurement, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network path into discrete segment identifiers (SIDs) in segment routing. Each segment can be independently measured and monitored, allowing comprehensive performance measurement across different network segments without requiring a complete redesign of the measurement architecture. The segmented approach enables modular measurement of individual segments while maintaining overall path measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The MPLS label stack serves as an intermediary structure that bridges segment routing and performance measurement. It carries both segment identification information and performance measurement data, facilitating the integration of comprehensive measurement capabilities with segment routing without directly increasing device complexity. The intermediary structure absorbs the complexity of coordinating multiple measurement functions
3Productivity
If multiple performance measurement types are supported in a single packet, then measurement efficiency is improved, but packet structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MPLS label structure is designed to be multi-functional, capable of carrying multiple types of performance measurement information simultaneously. The label fields can encode different measurement types (packet loss, delay, jitter) within the same packet structure, enabling efficient multi-type measurement without requiring separate packets for each measurement category
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the MPLS label fields to encode different performance measurement types. By varying the interpretation of label fields based on measurement type indicators, the same packet structure can represent multiple measurement types dynamically, achieving measurement efficiency without permanently increasing structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A transit/egress node in a communication network uses a performance measured flow (PMF) identifier for statistics collection for a given PMF. The PMF identifier is carried in the piggy backed information without the use of separate SR label. The Piggy backed information carries the node information role of the node used by the transit egress node to collect statistics for a given PM segment. The node collects the statistics for multiple segments and multiple PM types using a metadata present in single received packet.