Service Node Capability Processing in Function Chaining
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Solution Overview
Problem
In service function chaining, the untargeted information exchange between nodes leads to resource wastage due to blind information exchange, where nodes process and share unnecessary data, causing inefficiencies in packet forwarding.
Innovation Solution
Determining and encapsulating an exchange information set that includes the intersection of capabilities of service nodes on the service function chaining within data packets, allowing nodes to read and process only the necessary results, thereby optimizing information transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blind information exchange is used between service nodes, then information can be shared without prior coordination, but resources are wasted due to processing and sharing unnecessary data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the capability intersection set before information exchange occurs. The controller pre-calculates which service nodes share common capabilities and what information they can mutually utilize, then configures this information in advance. This allows service nodes to exchange only relevant information without blind trial-and-error, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making information exchange tailored to each pair of service nodes based on their specific capability intersections. Rather than using a uniform information exchange mechanism for all nodes, the system customizes the exchange content for each node pair according to their unique capability profiles. This targeted approach eliminates unnecessary data processing while maintaining ease of operation through automated configuration.
2Reliability
If all service nodes process all exchanged information, then no information is lost, but redundant calculations occur reducing processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by isolating only the relevant information subset for each service node based on capability intersections. The controller extracts from the total information set only those elements that are useful to specific service nodes, then delivers these extracted portions selectively. This ensures each node processes complete and reliable information for its needs without handling redundant data, maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having service nodes process only a portion of the total exchanged information - specifically, only the portion relevant to their capabilities. Rather than requiring all nodes to process all information (excessive action), the system enables each node to process precisely the partial set needed for its function, eliminating redundant calculations while ensuring complete processing of relevant data.
3Adaptability or versatility
If service function and forwarding function are separated, then independent operation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional controller that handles both service function management and forwarding coordination. The controller performs multiple roles including capability determination, information exchange configuration, and packet forwarding, consolidating what could be separate complex functions into a single universal component. This maintains the adaptability benefits of separation while reducing overall system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a controller as a mediator between service nodes and the forwarding plane. The controller handles the complex coordination tasks of determining capability intersections and configuring information exchange, acting as an intermediary that simplifies interactions between separated functions. This mediator approach enables independent operation of service and forwarding functions while managing system complexity through centralized coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a service node capability processing method and apparatus, a service classifier and service controller. The method includes: determining an exchange information set of service nodes on a service function chaining for processing a data packet, herein the exchange information set includes an intersection of capabilities of the service nodes on the service function chaining; and encapsulating the exchange information set in the data packet, herein the exchange information set is used for the service nodes to read a processing result which is obtained by processing capability corresponding to the intersection of the capabilities of the service nodes and which is encapsulated in the data packet. The present invention addresses the problem in the related technology that the blind information exchange causes the waste of resources since the information exchange between nodes is untargeted, and consequentially effectively avoids the waste of field resources by invalid information exchange.