Segment Identifier Distribution in Dislocated Control Data Plane Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network functions virtualization (NFV) and software defined networking (SDN) environments, establishing segment routing between nodes with dislocated control/data planes poses challenges due to the need for seamless distribution of segment identifiers (SIDs) and network topology information, particularly when SR nodes have collocated or dislocated control/data planes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for distributing SIDs using Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP) advertisements, where a control plane element advertises reachability information for data plane elements, including a forwarding address, and sets a forwarding flag to indicate the assignment of a forwarding address, allowing SR nodes to update reachability information and forward data traffic directly to data plane elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate protocols are used for SID distribution and route advertisement, then protocol functionality is complete, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines SID advertisement and route advertisement into a single IGP protocol mechanism. The SID information is distributed through the same IGP advertisement infrastructure used for route propagation, eliminating the need for separate SID distribution protocols and reducing implementation complexity while maintaining complete functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The IGP protocol is extended to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it advertises both route reachability and SID information through unified advertisement messages. This multi-functional approach allows a single protocol to handle what previously required separate specialized protocols, simplifying the overall system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If control plane and data plane are dislocated, then network flexibility and virtualization capability improve, but SID distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control plane node as an intermediary that generates and propagates SID advertisements on behalf of data plane elements. This intermediary mechanism allows dislocated control/data planes to communicate effectively through the control plane's advertisement infrastructure, maintaining network flexibility while managing SID distribution complexity through centralized control
3Ease of operation
If traditional routing protocols are used without extensions, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but support for dislocated control/data planes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends traditional IGP protocols by adding new parameters and attributes to existing advertisement structures. These parameter extensions enable the protocol to carry additional SID information and support dislocated control/data plane scenarios while maintaining backward compatibility and preserving the core simplicity of the original routing protocol mechanics
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed for distributing (advertising) segment identifiers in network functions virtualization and/or software defined networking environments. An exemplary method includes receiving a route advertisement that includes a prefix with a forwarding address for a first network element and receiving a segment identifier (SID) advertisement that includes a prefix SID for the prefix. The route advertisement may be received from a second network element proxying control plane functions for the first network element. Reachability information for the first network element is updated based on the route advertisement and the SID advertisement.