SR Binding Protection Using Backup SID Lists for Node Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing segment routing (SR) technologies lack effective mechanisms for protecting the routing of packets when a binding node fails, particularly before and after the interior gateway protocol (IGP) convergence, leading to potential disruptions in traffic forwarding.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods for determining and transmitting binding protection information, including exchanging capability information and using binding segment identifiers (BSIDs) and backup SID lists to ensure seamless packet routing when a binding node fails, even before IGP convergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If segment routing uses binding nodes to steer packets through explicit paths, then routing control and path management is improved, but network reliability deteriorates when binding nodes fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing backup paths and distributing binding protection information to upstream nodes before binding node failures occur. The controller determines backup paths and transmits binding protection information containing backup SID lists to upstream neighbor nodes, enabling them to reroute packets immediately when failures happen, thus resolving the reliability issue while maintaining routing control benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The binding protection information acts as an intermediary mechanism between the binding node and upstream nodes. This information includes backup SID lists and routing instructions that enable upstream nodes to seamlessly switch to backup paths when binding nodes fail, thereby maintaining network reliability without sacrificing the explicit path control capability
2Reliability
If binding protection information is transmitted to upstream nodes, then packet routing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding protection information is segmented into manageable components including binding segment identifiers (BSIDs), backup SID lists, and routing instructions. This segmentation allows upstream nodes to process and implement backup routing logic in a modular fashion, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining high routing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between active binding SIDs and backup SIDs based on node availability. Upstream nodes monitor binding node status and dynamically adjust their forwarding decisions by switching to backup paths when failures occur, achieving reliable packet routing without requiring complex continuous monitoring and control mechanisms
3Loss of time
If fast rerouting is implemented using binding protection, then traffic interruption is reduced, but information exchange complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by pre-computing backup paths and distributing binding protection information to upstream nodes before failures occur. This advance preparation enables immediate rerouting when binding nodes fail, minimizing traffic interruption time while the structured information format keeps the exchange process manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where upstream nodes receive binding protection information from the controller and use it to make local routing decisions. This feedback loop enables fast rerouting by having upstream nodes prepared with backup paths, while the information is exchanged in efficient structured formats that minimize complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing segment routing (SR) binding protection. The method includes determining binding information of a binding node on an SR path and transmitting binding protection information to one or more nodes to support routing of a packet of the SR path when the binding node fails.