Segment Routing Reverse Reply Path for Asymmetric Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet switching technologies face challenges in efficiently managing bidirectional communication paths in networks, particularly when asymmetric traffic patterns occur, as they often rely on standard routing methods that do not optimize bandwidth usage for return paths.
Innovation Solution
Implementing segment routing with an engineered reverse reply path that uses dynamic segment routing functions and policies to manage packet forwarding, allowing for optimized traffic paths based on available bandwidth and network conditions, and utilizing segment identifiers like IPv4 or IPv6 addresses to steer packets along specific routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard routing methods are used for packet forwarding, then network simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth utilization for return paths is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing path into forward path segments and return path segments using segment identifiers (SIDs). Each SID represents a specific network node or path segment, allowing independent optimization of forward and return paths. The segment routing header divides the overall routing task into manageable segments that can be independently controlled and optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary routing decisions by encoding the entire segment list in the segment routing header before packet transmission. The source node pre-determines both forward and return path segments, embedding the return path segments (including engineered reverse reply path segments) in advance. This eliminates the need for dynamic routing decisions at intermediate nodes, simplifying their operation while optimizing overall bandwidth utilization.
2Productivity
If asymmetric traffic patterns are accommodated, then network efficiency is improved, but standard routing methods fail to optimize return paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly embraces asymmetry by allowing different segment lists for forward and return paths. The engineered reverse reply path segments enable the return path to differ from the forward path, optimizing for asymmetric traffic patterns. Source nodes can specify different segment routing policies for outgoing and incoming traffic, and destination nodes can generate response packets with optimized return path segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic routing capabilities where segment lists can be adjusted based on network conditions. Source nodes can dynamically select different segment routing policies, and destination nodes can dynamically generate appropriate return path segments. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to respond to changing traffic patterns and conditions, improving overall efficiency while maintaining flexibility.
3Loss of time
If optimized return paths are implemented, then latency is reduced, but routing policy complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the routing policy complexity from intermediate network nodes and concentrates it at the endpoints (source and destination nodes). The segment routing header, containing the complete segment list, is extracted and attached to the packet at the source. Intermediate nodes simply follow the segments in the header without needing complex routing policies, reducing their complexity while enabling optimized paths that reduce latency.
4Productivity
If segment routing with engineered reverse reply path is used, then bandwidth utilization improves, but packet structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segment routing header serves multiple functions: it carries the forward path segments, encodes the return path segments including engineered reverse reply paths, and provides routing instructions for both directions of communication. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate structures, managing packet complexity while enabling comprehensive path optimization for improved bandwidth utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, segment routing network processing of packets is performed on segment routing packets to use engineered segment routing reverse reply paths which provide efficiencies in communicating packets in a network. In one embodiment, a source node selects a segment identifier of a destination node, with the segment identifier specifying a function value of a dynamic return path segment routing function in order to invoke this function on the destination node. The source node then sends a segment routing packet to the destination address of this segment identifier. Reacting to receipt of this packet and the function value of the dynamic return path segment routing function in the destination address or current segment identifier of the packet, a receiving node generates a responding segment routing packet including the segment identifiers from the received packet in reverse traversal order.