Service Function Forwarder Link Selection via Label Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtualized network environments, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently performing load balancing and managing link and VM failures in service function clusters, as physical link and VM selection are typically performed locally by service function forwarders, limiting remote source-based load balancing and failure rerouting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a label forwarding table at the service function forwarder allows for source-based load balancing and failure management by correlating received labels with physical links and VM destinations, enabling rerouting of traffic to backup links or alternative VMs in case of failures or overloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service function forwarders perform local link and VM selection, then device complexity is reduced, but remote source-based load balancing and failure rerouting capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that maintains a mapping table associating service function cluster identifiers with physical link and VM destination information. This intermediary enables remote source-based load balancing and failure rerouting by allowing the controller to make intelligent routing decisions, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If physical link and VM selection are performed locally by service function forwarders, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability during link or VM failures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing a mapping table in the controller that associates service function cluster identifiers with multiple physical link and VM destination options. This advance preparation enables automatic failure rerouting without requiring complex real-time decision-making at the service function forwarder, thus improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If service function clusters use traditional forwarding methods, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity in terms of load balancing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the state of service function clusters, physical links, and virtual machines. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically updates the mapping table to optimize load distribution across available resources. This feedback-driven approach enables efficient load balancing while keeping the forwarding mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure related to a method, comprising receiving, at a service function forwarder (SFF), a first packet comprising a first service function (SF) label. A label forwarding table is then referenced to identify a first link for the first SF label. The packet is then forwarded to a service function cluster (SFC) via the first link.