Segment Routing Reroute Detection via Feedback Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network technologies face challenges in rapidly detecting fast reroute occurrences and ensuring data traffic follows high-quality paths, leading to potential delays and data loss due to undetected network failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of segment routing with backup node segment IDs and backup context segment IDs in forwarding tables allows for the detection of rerouted paths and the use of secondary paths with improved quality of service, reducing the time data traffic spends on undesirable backup paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fast reroute is implemented to ensure network reliability, then data arrival reliability is improved, but detection of reroute occurrences becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the destination node sends back information to the source node indicating whether a reroute occurred. This is achieved through segment identifiers in the packet header that allow the destination to recognize and report reroute events, enabling the source to detect and respond to path changes without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by employing segment identifiers as mediators between the data plane and control plane. These identifiers enable the data plane to carry information about reroute occurrences back to the control plane without requiring complex detection mechanisms in every network node
2Reliability
If backup paths are used for fast reroute, then network availability is improved, but data traffic quality deteriorates due to undesirable backup paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection where the source node can switch between primary and backup paths based on real-time conditions. The system monitors reroute occurrences and service level agreement compliance, dynamically adjusting traffic routing to minimize time on undesirable backup paths while maintaining network availability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of path selection by using segment identifiers to distinguish between primary and backup paths. This allows the system to track and measure the quality parameters of different paths, enabling informed decisions about when to use backup paths and when to switch back to primary paths
3Reliability
If segment routing with backup paths is implemented, then service level agreement compliance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional forwarding table entries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the routing function into distinct components: primary path routing, backup path routing, and reroute detection. Each component is managed separately with specific forwarding table entries for each function, making the complexity manageable and organized rather than monolithic
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for detection of reroute occurrences in segment routing enabled networks. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, at a first node in a communications network, a test message comprising a header, where the header comprises one or more segment identifiers. This embodiment of the method further includes detecting a first indicator of a rerouted test path for the message and sending an outgoing message to a node determined using the header, where sending the outgoing message comprises including in the outgoing message a second indicator that the test message has been rerouted. An embodiment of a system includes a network interface adapted for data communication with one or more nodes of a communications network and a processor operably coupled to the network interface and adapted to implement an embodiment of the method.