Service Function Chain Modification via Switch Address
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service function chaining methods are inflexible and incompatible with existing infrastructure, requiring costly re-wiring and proprietary formats, making it impractical to modify service chains without affecting other networking aspects.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that identifies a service function chain based on a switch address within a packet, modifying it to route the packet to the appropriate service function, allowing for easy insertion or deletion of service functions and maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure by modifying the switch address in the layer two portion of the packet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service function chaining is implemented using hard wired static network configuration, then service functions can be provided, but changes in the service chain require costly physical re-wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical re-wiring system with an electronic/software-based service chain configuration system. Service functions are chained through software definitions and network protocol modifications rather than physical cable connections, allowing dynamic reconfiguration without costly re-wiring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The service chain transitions from a static hard-wired configuration to a dynamic software-defined configuration. The system allows service functions to be added, removed, or reordered through software updates and protocol modifications, enabling the network to adapt to changing requirements without physical changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service function chaining uses proprietary switching formats or meta-data switching, then service chains can be created, but the system becomes highly complex and incompatible with existing infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal service function chaining mechanism that works with existing standard network infrastructure. By using modifications to existing protocols (MPLS labels, VLAN tags, IP headers) rather than proprietary formats, the system achieves multi-functionality across different network equipment and standards, reducing complexity and improving compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes existing network protocol parameters to carry service chain information. Instead of introducing entirely new proprietary protocols, the patent modifies parameters in existing protocols (such as MPLS experimental bits, VLAN priority fields, or IP header options) to encode service function chain identifiers, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining chaining capability.
3Ease of operation
If packets are modified to route to particular service functions, then service routing is achieved, but extensive packet modifications may cause issues in transporting the packet within the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements (specialized network devices or protocol translation layers) that handle service function routing decisions. These intermediaries interpret service chain identifiers and perform appropriate packet modifications or forwarding decisions, isolating the complexity of packet modification from the core transport mechanism and reducing transport issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the packet handling process into distinct stages: identification of service chain requirements, determination of routing decisions, and execution of modifications. By separating these functions and applying modifications at specific points in the packet flow rather than extensively throughout, the system achieves service routing while minimizing transport disruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
Some examples herein disclose identifying a service function chain based on a switch address from a packet. The examples disclose modifying the switch address to an address corresponding to a service function based on the identified service function chain. The examples also disclose forwarding the packet to the service function according to the modified switch address.