Service Chain Management via Detection and Redundant Rerouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current service chain management in data center networks is inflexible and has low reliability due to the close correlation between value-added services and network topology, leading to service interruptions when a value-added service node fails.
Innovation Solution
A service chain management method that includes detecting the status of each value-added service node, determining abnormal states, and reconfiguring traffic to a redundant service chain using a controller and delivery nodes to maintain service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized delivery node directly connects each value-added service node in a service chain, then the deployment is simple and follows network topology, but the reliability is extremely low because a single node failure interrupts the entire service chain
Solution Approach 1:
The service chain is segmented into multiple independent paths including primary service chains and backup service chains. When a node fails, only the affected segment is impacted while other segments continue to operate, preventing complete service chain interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
Backup service chains are pre-configured and ready before failures occur. The system maintains predetermined alternative paths through the network, allowing immediate failover without requiring real-time path calculation or complex reconfiguration when failures happen.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the service chain follows a fixed network topology structure, then the deployment is straightforward, but the adaptability is poor and cannot flexibly deploy value-added service devices
Solution Approach 1:
The service chain structure transitions from static topology-based deployment to dynamic policy-based routing. The system can dynamically select and switch between different service chains based on real-time conditions, node availability, and service requirements, enabling flexible deployment independent of fixed network topology.
Solution Approach 2:
A policy library acts as an intermediary between service requirements and network topology. Instead of directly mapping services to physical network paths, the policy library provides an abstract layer that enables flexible service chain configuration and management without being constrained by underlying network structure.
3Reliability
If no detection mechanism is implemented for service chain status, then the system is simpler to operate, but the ability to detect and respond to abnormal states is insufficient, leading to service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous detection of service chain node status and sends detection results to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring of service chain health, allowing the system to automatically detect failures and trigger appropriate responses such as switching to backup chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The service chain management system automatically detects failures and performs self-healing by switching to backup service chains without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously monitors node status and reconfigures traffic paths when abnormalities are detected, enabling the system to manage itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A service chain management method, a delivery node, a controller, and a value-added service node are provided. An ingress delivery node of a service chain receives a detection packet for detecting the service chain, where the service chain includes at least one value-added service node, and the detection packet carries status information of each value-added service node; and the ingress delivery node determines whether the service chain is in a normal running state according to the detection packet. By using the present invention, management on a service chain can be implemented, thereby improving reliability of the service chain.