SR Policy Packet Forwarding Across Network Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The flexibility of service packet forwarding in network slices is poor due to the lack of integration between network slice technology and segment routing traffic engineering (SR-TE) policies.
Innovation Solution
A method for forwarding service packets that combines network slice technology with SR-TE by encapsulating candidate paths and identifiers within service packets, allowing forwarding through sub-interfaces corresponding to network slices, and selecting paths based on preference and attribute information to optimize resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slice technology and SR policy are used independently for service packet forwarding, then the forwarding can be performed in a network slice, but the flexibility of service packet forwarding is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines network slice technology with SR-TE policy by integrating the network slice identifier into the SR policy structure. The head-end network device performs joint processing of both technologies, encapsulating the network slice identifier along with the candidate path information in the service packet, enabling unified forwarding based on both slice and path requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The SR policy is enhanced to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides path selection for service packets while also carrying the network slice identifier. This multi-functional policy structure allows a single mechanism to handle both traditional SR-TE path selection and network slice identification, improving flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a sub-interface corresponding to the first network slice is unavailable or faulty, then forwarding through the first candidate path cannot be performed, but the patent provides fallback to a second candidate path through a second network slice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple candidate paths with different network slice identifiers in the SR policy before forwarding is needed. The head-end network device prepares alternative forwarding options in advance, so when the primary sub-interface becomes unavailable, the system can immediately switch to a pre-planned alternative path without complex real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates redundancy by providing alternative candidate paths and corresponding network slice identifiers in the SR policy. This cushioning mechanism ensures that if the primary forwarding path fails, the system has pre-prepared backup options to maintain service continuity, enhancing reliability while keeping the failure response mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a method for forwarding a service packet, a method for sending an SR policy, a device, and a system, and belongs to the field of network technologies. In the solution provided in this application, a network device may forward, according to a first candidate path in an SR policy through a sub-interface corresponding to a first network slice, a service packet, and the first candidate path and a first identifier of a first network slice corresponding to the first candidate path are encapsulated in the service packet.