Embedding SFC Metadata in VLAN IDs to Reduce Packet Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Network Service Header (NSH) adds significant overhead and consumes valuable network resources in data communication systems, particularly when handling Service Function Chains (SFCs), as it requires additional data space and processing for each packet.
Innovation Solution
The proposed data communication system uses Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) IDs to embed SFC IDs and metadata within user data packets, eliminating the need for a Network Service Header by leveraging existing VLAN infrastructure, thereby reducing overhead and resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Network Service Header (NSH) is added to facilitate Service Function Chain processing, then service chain identification and metadata transport capability is improved, but packet overhead and network resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing VLAN ID fields in Ethernet frames for dual purposes: traditional VLAN identification and Service Function Chain identification. By making the VLAN ID field serve multiple functions (carrying both VLAN tagging information and SFC metadata), the patent eliminates the need for separate NSH overhead while maintaining SFC processing capability. This multi-functional use of existing infrastructure resolves the contradiction between improving adaptability and reducing packet overhead.
2Loss of information
If a Network Service Header (NSH) is inserted between VXLAN header and Ethernet frame, then service metadata transport is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the service metadata transport function from the NSH structure and integrates it directly into the existing VLAN ID fields within the Ethernet frame. By removing the separate NSH layer and embedding SFC metadata directly in the VLAN ID portion of the Ethernet header, the patent simplifies the packet structure and reduces processing complexity while maintaining full metadata transport capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple VLAN IDs are inserted using QinQ technology, then in-frame Ethernet VLAN multiplexing is improved, but packet overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the VLAN ID fields (including QinQ stacked VLAN IDs) to simultaneously perform traditional VLAN segmentation and Service Function Chain identification. Instead of adding separate SFC metadata structures, the patent makes the existing VLAN ID fields carry dual information, thereby achieving VLAN multiplexing without increasing packet overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A data system transfers data packets over Service Function Chains (SFCs). A classifier receives the packets and determines SFC Identifiers (IDs) and metadata. The classifier inserts the SFC IDs and metadata in Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) ID data fields of the packets. The classifier transfers the classified packets to a forwarder. The forwarder identifies the SFC IDs and metadata from the VLAN ID data fields. The forwarder selects network functions based on the SFC IDs and metadata. The forwarder transfers the packets having the SFC IDs and metadata in the VLAN ID data fields to the selected network functions. The selected network functions identify the SFC IDs and metadata from the VLAN ID data fields. The network functions process the packets based on the SFC IDs, metadata, and configured policies to perform functions like network address translation, firewall, deep packet inspection, and others.