Service Function Chain Diversion and Merging for Parallel Packet Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for service function chaining (SFC) lack the ability to split a Service Function Path (SFP) into multiple parallel paths or rejoin them, insert or remove service functions dynamically during packet traversal, and manage metadata effectively across these paths.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods for SFC diversion and merging that allow splitting an SFP into multiple paths, inserting or removing service functions, and using rendezvous-point information (RePIn) to manage metadata, ensuring packets can be recombined efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If service functions are processed sequentially through a single Service Function Path, then the processing order is simple to manage, but the processing efficiency and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single Service Function Path into multiple parallel SFPs, allowing packets to be processed through different paths simultaneously. This segmentation enables load distribution across multiple paths while maintaining independent management of each path, thus improving processing efficiency without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a parallel dimension to the traditional sequential SFC architecture by creating multiple Service Function Paths that can process packets simultaneously. This dimensional transition from single-path to multi-path architecture enables parallel processing while using metadata fields to manage the increased complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If service functions are dynamically inserted or removed during packet traversal, then the system flexibility and adaptability improve, but the packet routing complexity and metadata management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service function chaining by allowing the Service Index to be modified during packet traversal, enabling packets to be diverted to different SFPs based on runtime conditions. This dynamic capability allows service functions to be inserted or removed from the chain without reconfiguring the entire network, managing complexity through on-the-fly metadata updates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metadata and Service Index as intermediary mechanisms to manage dynamic service function insertion and removal. These intermediaries carry routing information that enables flexible path selection without requiring complex direct routing logic, simplifying the management of dynamic changes
3Reliability
If multiple parallel Service Function Paths are created, then the processing reliability and efficiency improve, but the ability to rejoin paths and manage metadata across paths becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through metadata that track packet traversal across parallel SFPs. The metadata includes information about which paths have been taken and what service functions have been applied, enabling intelligent rejoining decisions at convergence points and ensuring consistent packet handling across multiple paths
Data Source
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AI summary
A service function chain (SFC) merging method implemented by a service function (SF) node. The SFC merging method includes receiving a plurality of diverted SFC packets; determining a set of matching diverted SFC packets from the plurality of diverted SFC packets; merging the set of matching diverted SFC packets into a merged SFC packet; and transmitting the merged SFC packet.