Service Bitmask Network Service Header Skip Functions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service function chaining technologies in computer networks require propagating new Service Function Chains to all network elements when modifications are needed, leading to inefficiencies, especially for long-lived flows where not all service functions are applicable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a service bitmask into the Network Service Header to selectively skip unnecessary service functions within a Service Function Path, allowing the network controller to modify the path without creating a new Service Function Chain and broadcasting it to all elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new Service Function Chains are propagated to all network elements when modifications are needed, then service function paths can be updated, but network update overhead and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service function chain configuration into two parts: the base Service Function Chain definition (propagated to all network elements) and the flow-specific service bitmask (locally generated at the classifier). This segmentation allows modifications to be made at the classifier level without propagating updates to all network elements, thereby reducing network update overhead while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic service bitmasks that can be adjusted on-the-fly at the classifier for different flows without requiring static reconfiguration of the entire service function chain across the network. This dynamic approach enables flexible modification of service function paths for specific flows while keeping the base chain stable, reducing the frequency and scope of network-wide updates.
2Reliability
If all service functions are applied to every flow, then comprehensive service processing is achieved, but resource utilization decreases due to unnecessary processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by generating unique service bitmasks at the classifier for each flow based on its specific requirements. This allows different subsets of service functions to be applied to different flows, ensuring that each flow receives only the necessary service processing rather than a uniform comprehensive processing, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining service completeness where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by using service bitmasks to selectively enable or disable specific service functions for each flow. Instead of applying all service functions to every flow (excessive action), the system applies only the necessary subset of service functions determined by the service bitmask, reducing unnecessary processing and improving resource utilization efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If Service Function Chains are propagated to all network elements, then consistent service function paths are ensured, but update time and network overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration update process into base Service Function Chain propagation (done once to all network elements) and flow-specific service bitmask generation (done locally at the classifier). This segmentation ensures that the base chain consistency is maintained across the network while avoiding repeated propagation overhead, thereby reducing update time without sacrificing consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the service bitmask as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the base Service Function Chain definition and the actual service function path for each flow. The service bitmask acts as a local configuration layer at the classifier that can modify the base chain on-the-fly without requiring propagation to all network elements, thus maintaining consistency while reducing update time.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method performed at a classifier network element includes receiving a flow of packets subject to a Service Function Path. The Service Function Path defines which service functions a flow will receive and the order in which the service functions will be provided. A service bitmask is generated that indicates that one or more service function will be skipped. The classifier network element encapsulates the flow as a payload with a Network Service Header comprising a Service Function Path identifier, a service index, and the service bitmask.