Segment Routing SFC Verification for NSH-Based Service Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SFC verification methods are not applicable in many aspects, particularly for Network Service Headers (NSH) based on separation of service-plane encapsulation and forwarding-plane encapsulation, necessitating a more effective verification method for Service Function Chains (SFCs) in Segment Routing (SR) networks.
Innovation Solution
The method employs Segment Routing packets to verify SFCs by sending SFC verification request information that includes Segment IDs (SIDs) of service function nodes, enabling path and function verification through a check node, utilizing Segment Routing Headers (SRH) and SR-based MPLS/IPv6 networks to ensure correct deployment of SFCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing SFC verification methods are used, then verification can be performed, but they are not applicable to NSH-based SFCs with separation of service-plane encapsulation and forwarding-plane encapsulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the verification approach from NSH-based to SR-based, utilizing Segment Routing Headers (SRH) and Segment IDs (SIDs) instead of traditional NSH encapsulation. This parameter change in the verification mechanism enables compatibility with NSH-based SFCs while maintaining verification reliability through SR's explicit routing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Segment Routing as an intermediary verification mechanism that bridges the gap between control plane and data plane in NSH-based SFCs. The SRH acts as a mediator carrying verification information through the service function chain, enabling verification without directly modifying the NSH encapsulation structure
2Measurement precision
If Segment Routing packets with Segment IDs are used for verification, then path and function verification can be explicitly performed, but the verification process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the verification process into discrete steps corresponding to each Segment ID in the SRH. Each service function node verifies itself based on its assigned SID, and the verification results are aggregated along the path. This segmentation enables precise verification of each node while managing complexity through modular processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of Segment IDs and verification parameters before the actual verification process. The SRH is pre-populated with the sequence of SIDs representing the service function chain, allowing nodes to anticipate their verification role and reduce runtime decision complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for verifying a service function chain, which is applied by a sending node, and the method includes: sending service function chain verification request information; and the service function chain verification request information is a Segment Routing packet, and a Segment List of the service function chain verification request information at least includes a Segment ID of a service function node to be verified; the service function chain verification request information includes a verification request configured to request a service node of a service function chain to verify the service function node to be verified so as to verify the service function chain, and send a verification result to a check node; and the service node includes a service function node and a service function forwarder node. Moreover, a sending node, a forwarder node and a service function mode are provided.