Configurable Service Proxy Mapping for Elastic Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network service deployment models are static and inflexible, struggling to adapt to elastic service environments and virtualization, with limitations in service function ordering, policy application, and metadata management, leading to complex network changes and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Network Service Header (NSH) with a variable set of context headers that enables flexible service chaining by carrying metadata for service function selection and policy enforcement, allowing for dynamic mapping of packets to service functions and supporting agile service delivery across virtual and physical networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static network service deployment model is used, then service functions are bound to fixed topology for insertion and policy selection, but the model does not adapt well to elastic service environments enabled by virtualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service function chaining by replacing static topology-bound service insertion with dynamic service chains that can be programmatically configured and modified. Service functions are no longer fixed to specific network locations but can be dynamically selected and ordered based on virtualization layers and software-defined policies, enabling adaptation to elastic service environments while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of service deployment by adding virtualization layers above the physical network topology. Service functions can be instantiated and chained in the virtual domain independent of physical topology constraints, allowing services to be deployed, moved, and scaled without being bound to fixed physical locations, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service functions are physically located at different points in the network infrastructure, then services can be deployed across WAN, data center, and campus networks, but the static deployment model limits flexible service insertion and policy application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces service chains as an intermediary layer between physical network infrastructure and service functions. Service chains act as flexible mediators that can dynamically insert, remove, and reorder service functions across distributed network locations without requiring changes to the underlying physical topology or manual policy configuration, thus improving flexible service insertion while simplifying policy application through automated chain management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal service chain framework that can operate across diverse network infrastructures (WAN, data center, campus) with different service functions. The service chain mechanism provides multi-functional capability to insert various service types (firewall, load balancing, WAN acceleration) at any point in the network path, enabling flexible service insertion across distributed locations while maintaining consistent policy application methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a static service deployment model is used, then topology binding provides fixed service insertion points, but the model cannot easily bind service policy to granular information such as per-subscriber state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service policies into granular, independently configurable elements within service chains. Each service function in the chain can be associated with specific policy rules that operate on granular information such as per-subscriber state, application type, or traffic flow characteristics. This segmentation allows fine-grained policy control without requiring complex monolithic policy management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic parameter changes in service policy by allowing service chain configurations to be modified based on real-time conditions and granular information. Service policies can be adjusted at the individual service function level within the chain, enabling flexible binding to per-subscriber state and other granular parameters while managing complexity through parameterized policy templates and automated configuration management.
Data Source
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AI summary
Presented herein are techniques in which a service proxy in a service node is configured to receive a packet encapsulated in a service header that includes a variable set of context headers. The service proxy is configured to use the context headers in the service header to map data in the packet to a local identifier that is associated with one of a plurality of service-functions hosted by the service node. The service proxy is further configured to forward the data in the packet to the service-function associated with the local identifier.