Segment Routing Probing Packets for In-Situ Performance Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for performance measurement in segment routing networks, such as SRv6, have limited data coverage and measurement capability, and the overhead of In-situ Operations, Administration, and Management (IOAM) can cause packet fragmentation and affect forwarding throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to generate and transmit probing packets within the network by modifying the IPv6 packet header to include a Segment Routing Header (SRH) and encapsulating an IOAM header in the UDP payload, allowing each segment node to collect and add data to the IOAM node data fields, thereby enhancing in-situ performance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IOAM is used for performance measurement in segment routing networks, then measurement capability is improved, but packet fragmentation occurs and forwarding throughput is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function by using separate probing packets dedicated to performance measurement, distinct from regular data packets. This allows measurement activities to be isolated and controlled, preventing them from interfering with normal forwarding operations and maintaining high throughput while achieving comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where probing packets carry IOAM data structures that collect performance metrics without requiring modification of the core forwarding path. These intermediary measurement packets traverse the network separately, enabling precise measurement while leaving the main data forwarding pipeline unaffected and efficient.
2Loss of information
If probing packets are used for performance measurement, then data coverage is improved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the probing packets multi-functional by designing them to carry both Segment Routing Header (SRH) for path identification and IOAM data structures for comprehensive performance measurement. This universal design allows a single packet type to achieve multiple objectives: path tracing, performance metric collection, and network condition assessment, thereby improving data coverage without proportionally increasing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes within the IOAM data structure to control measurement scope and intensity. By adjusting IOAM parameters such as measurement intervals, data collection granularity, and packet generation rates, the system can optimize the balance between achieving comprehensive data coverage and minimizing network overhead based on specific operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology discloses generating and transmitting a probing packet for determining in-situ performance in a segment routing (SR) network. A packet is received at a SR network node having an IPv6 packet header, and a probing packet is generated that includes the IPv6 packet header, a segment routing header (SRH) extension header, and a UDP header structure and UDP data payload portion. The UDP payload portion includes an OAM header and a IOAM data structure. The probing packet is then transmitted to a next segment node in the SR network.