Service Insertion with Dynamic Path Selection Against Traffic Blackholing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service insertion techniques in computer networks face challenges in ensuring that network traffic is routed through valid and reachable service paths, leading to issues such as traffic blackholing and network performance disruptions due to static path selection that does not account for dynamic network state.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic service path selection techniques that utilize a service database and forwarding information base (FIB) table to ensure only valid and reachable paths are selected for traffic transmission, dynamically updating service routes based on network state to prevent traffic blackholing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static path selection is used for service insertion, then path selection simplicity is maintained, but traffic blackholing and network performance disruptions occur due to inability to adapt to dynamic network state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service path selection by continuously monitoring network state changes (link failures, congestion, policy updates) and automatically adjusting service paths in real-time. The system transitions from static to dynamic path selection, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions and prevent traffic blackholing while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the network monitors service path status and network conditions, then uses this information to adjust path selection decisions. The system receives feedback about network state changes and automatically modifies routing decisions to avoid blackholing and optimize performance.
2Reliability
If service paths are dynamically updated based on network state, then traffic blackholing is prevented and network resiliency improves, but path selection processing time and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes and maintains multiple candidate service paths in advance, ready for immediate activation when network conditions change. By having backup paths prepared beforehand, the system can quickly switch paths during failures without performing complex computations in real-time, thus reducing processing delays while maintaining high resiliency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts path selection based on real-time network conditions by monitoring events such as link failures or congestion. When changes occur, the system activates pre-prepared alternative paths or performs targeted recomputation only when necessary, balancing responsiveness with computational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If service insertion is implemented with dynamic path selection, then network adaptability and fault tolerance improve, but device complexity and control plane overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the path selection function into separate components: a control plane that manages policy decisions and path computation, and a forwarding plane that executes packet routing based on selected paths. This segmentation allows the control plane to handle complex adaptability requirements while keeping the forwarding plane simple and efficient, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary path management component that acts as a mediator between the control plane and forwarding plane. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of dynamic path computation and coordination, shielding the simpler forwarding devices from complex control logic while enabling high network adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for enabling service insertion using dynamic service path selection are described herein. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to avoiding a service route that passes through a service router when the second-leg path from the service router to a destination router is unreachable. In some cases, the techniques described herein relate to avoiding a route that includes a service router that does not have a path to a viable target in a core service region.