SR-TE Routing with Entropy Label Positioning Across Domains
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a notification and processing mechanism for the insertion position of an Entropy Label (EL) in the label stack during Segment Routing-Traffic Engineering (SR-TE), especially when crossing domains, which affects load-balancing and path selection in Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that include obtaining network topology information, calculating path information for SR-TE instances, and inserting Entropy Labels (ELs) at specific positions in the label stack based on MSD and ERLD capabilities, using extended PCEP and BGP protocols to notify the EL insertion positions to the network-side head node, enabling efficient load-balancing and path selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SR-TE instances cross domains without EL insertion position mechanism, then domain routing flexibility is improved, but load-balancing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Entropy Label (EL) as an intermediary element inserted into the label stack at specific positions. This EL acts as a mediator that carries entropy information across domain boundaries, enabling load-balancing functionality to operate effectively in cross-domain SR-TE scenarios without compromising routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by calculating and determining the optimal EL insertion position in advance based on network topology information and node capabilities (MSD and ERLD). This pre-calculation ensures that the EL is inserted at the most effective position before traffic flows through the cross-domain path, optimizing load-balancing performance proactively.
2Ease of manufacture
If EL is inserted at arbitrary positions in label stack, then implementation simplicity is improved, but forwarding precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of EL insertion position from arbitrary to optimized based on node capabilities. Specifically, it considers MSD (Maximum SID Depth) and ERLD (Entropy Readable Label Depth) parameters of network nodes to determine the optimal insertion position. This parameter-based approach ensures precise forwarding while maintaining systematic implementation.
3Device complexity
If EL insertion position is not notified to head node, then protocol complexity is reduced, but path selection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller calculates the optimal EL insertion position based on network topology and node capabilities, then notifies this position information back to the head node. This feedback loop ensures that the head node has accurate information for path selection and EL insertion, improving path selection accuracy without excessive protocol overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a routing management method and apparatus, a network device, and a readable storage medium. The method comprises: a controller obtaining network topology information of a network side; the controller calculating, on the basis of the network topology information, path information of a segment routing traffic engineering (SR-TE) instance to be created, and sending the path information to a header node of the network side, wherein the path information comprises segment list information and entropy label (EL) insertion position information; and the controller creating the SR-TE instance from the header node to a tail node on the network side.