Service Function Chaining Branching via Distributed Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service function chaining technologies face challenges in dynamically reclassifying and branching packet flows without requiring static provisioning of service function paths, especially when deep packet inspection identifies potential threats, necessitating a scalable and efficient method to redirect traffic to different service functions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a distributed routing protocol, such as BGP, to dynamically distribute service function chaining routing information, allowing service nodes to reclassify or branch traffic based on conditions specified in the network service header, such as 5-tuple flow parameters, exception conditions, or metadata, without pre-programming specific service function paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static provisioning of service function paths is used, then network configuration is simplified, but the system cannot dynamically reclassify or branch packet flows based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service function chaining by allowing service function paths to be modified at runtime based on packet inspection results. The system transitions from static pre-configured paths to dynamic paths that can be recategorized or branched based on real-time conditions such as deep packet inspection outcomes, enabling adaptive traffic steering without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a service function chain manager as an intermediary component that mediates between the classification function and service nodes. This manager receives service function path information from the classification function, processes dynamic reclassification and branching rules, and distributes updated paths to relevant service nodes, thereby simplifying the complexity distribution across the network architecture
2Ease of operation
If service function paths are pre-programmed, then network device configuration is easier, but the system lacks flexibility to redirect traffic based on deep packet inspection results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring service function chains and classification rules in the service function chain manager before runtime operations. This allows network devices to operate with simplified initial configurations while the system maintains the capability to dynamically adjust paths based on inspection results, effectively separating initial setup simplicity from runtime flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where deep packet inspection results are continuously monitored and fed back to the service function chain manager. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts service function paths to redirect traffic appropriately, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains both ease of operation and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a plurality of service nodes, a controller and a network device in communication with the controller. Each of the plurality of service nodes is configured to support one or more service functions to establish a service function chain that includes a plurality of service functions to be performed by routing traffic among the plurality of service nodes. The controller is configured to generate provisioning information for the service function chain. The provisioning information includes at least one condition upon which a service function reclassification or branching operation is to be performed by at least one service node. The network device is in communication with the controller, and is configured to distribute the provisioning information for the service function chain to the plurality of service nodes using a distributed routing protocol.