Service Function Chain Path Recalculation for Bypass Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network function virtualization (NFV) with service function chains (SFC), inefficiencies arise when some allocated service functions bypass processing packets, leading to repeated routing and inefficient packet handling, particularly with TCP processing bypassing UDP packets.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a SFC controller with a grouping module, sensitive detector module, and path recalculation module that detects bypass events and recalculates a streamlined path for packets by directly forwarding them to SFs outside shared groups, using a network service header with a group information flag to facilitate bypassing unnecessary service functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packets are repeatedly routed to service functions according to the allocated service function chain, then all service functions are ensured to be visited, but processing efficiency deteriorates when some service functions bypass packet processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the packet forwarding path based on real-time detection of bypass events. When a service function is detected to bypass processing, the system dynamically recalculates and updates the service function path to exclude that function, transforming a static routing approach into a dynamic one that adapts to actual processing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where service functions report whether they actually processed packets or bypassed them. This feedback information is used by the controller to recalculate optimal paths, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously improves packet forwarding efficiency based on actual processing outcomes.
2Ease of manufacture
If the service function chain follows the pre-defined ordered list, then service function allocation is simple, but packet routing becomes inefficient when some service functions do not process specific packet types
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of bypass events and pre-calculates alternative paths before actual packet forwarding occurs. By detecting which service functions will bypass processing in advance and preparing optimized paths beforehand, the system avoids real-time routing delays while maintaining the simplicity of pre-defined service function chains.
3Reliability
If all service functions in the chain are visited, then service function coverage is complete, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to repeated routing of packets that will be bypassed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes service functions that are determined to bypass packet processing from the active service function path. By taking out these non-functional service functions from the routing chain, the system eliminates unnecessary packet forwarding operations, reducing network resource consumption while maintaining coverage of actually functional service functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet forwarding method. The method reacts to service function events promptly by recalculating a more streamlined service function path (SFP) for a packet flow of a service function chain (SFC). Service functions (SFs) and service function forwarders (SFFs) collaborate to serve a SFC packet flow and bypass SFs belonging to the same SF group which does not provides functional service to packets of the flow.