SR Policy Distribution for Deterministic Flow Forwarding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controllers are unable to effectively distribute deterministic paths using Segment Routing (SR) Policies in deterministic networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enable a controller to send an SR Policy carrying deterministic path information to edge nodes in a network, utilizing extended Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and Path Computation Element Communication Protocol (PCEP) to instruct edge nodes to forward deterministic flows according to the specified paths, incorporating enhanced TLVs and sub-TLVs to carry necessary path information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Segment Routing Policy is used to distribute deterministic paths, then deterministic network service quality is improved, but controller capability is insufficient to implement distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeterministic network service qualityVSAvoidcontroller capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing deterministic paths and embedding them in SR Policy configurations before network operation. The controller pre-calculates optimal paths satisfying QoS requirements and distributes them via BGP/PCEP protocols, enabling deterministic forwarding without real-time computation overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces BGP and PCEP protocols as intermediaries between the controller and network nodes for SR Policy distribution. These standardized protocols mediate the communication, allowing the controller to distribute deterministic paths without requiring direct custom interfaces to each network device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If deterministic paths are predetermined and distributed, then forwarding stability is improved, but protocol extension complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforwarding stabilityVSAvoidprotocol extension complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the multi-functionality of existing BGP and PCEP protocols to distribute SR Policies. These protocols already serve multiple purposes in network management, and the patent extends them to additionally carry deterministic path information, avoiding the need for completely new proprietary protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements deterministic path distribution by modifying protocol parameters - specifically extending BGP UPDATE messages and PCEP PCInit/PCUpd messages to include SR Policy elements. This parameter extension approach allows deterministic path carrying within existing protocol frameworks rather than creating new protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12634228B2Deterministic flow forwarding method and apparatus, storage medium and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A deterministic flow forwarding method and apparatus, a storage medium and an electronic device are provided. The method includes: sending, by a controller, a Segment Routing (SR) policy carrying deterministic path information to an edge node of a network, wherein the SR Policy is used for instructing the edge node of the network to forward a deterministic flow according to the deterministic path information. By virtue of the above technical solution, the problem that a controller cannot implement distribution of a deterministic path by an SR Policy is solved.