Chained Information Collection via SRv6 iOAM Headers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing large-scale device-to-device information requests and responses, particularly in environments where in-situ Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (iOAM) protocols are used, as they often require complex routing and telemetry data collection across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network system that utilizes Segment Routing (SR) protocols, specifically Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) compliant SRv6, combined with in-situ OAM (iOAM) headers to chain information requests and responses across multiple devices, enabling efficient data collection and reporting in a specific order, even in the presence of device failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If in-situ OAM protocols are used for device-to-device information requests and responses, then telemetry data collection capability is improved, but device complexity and routing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that centralizes the management of information requests and responses. Instead of complex peer-to-peer routing between multiple devices, the server acts as a mediator that receives requests from client devices, manages the iOAM protocol interactions, and coordinates data collection from multiple network devices. This reduces routing complexity while maintaining telemetry collection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If segment routing functions are combined to achieve networking objectives, then networking functionality is improved, but network programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segment routing functions that automatically steer packets through ordered lists of instructions (segments) without requiring manual network programming. The ingress node automatically processes the segment list and routes packets through the network based on pre-configured segments, enabling complex networking objectives to be achieved through automated packet steering rather than manual programming.
3Loss of information
If in-band OAM mechanisms are used to add telemetry information to data traffic, then OAM functionality is improved, but packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines in-situ OAM telemetry information encoding with regular data traffic by embedding telemetry data within the packet headers as packets traverse the network. This in-band approach merges the OAM functionality with data plane operations, allowing telemetry information to be collected without requiring separate probe packets or additional communication channels, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device is described, the device comprising a processor, a memory operative to store data used by the processor, a network interface operative to enable network communications with at least one other device, and a client executed by the processor, the client operative to utilize a first networking protocol to chain a request for information from the at least one other device and to send an information request packet via the network interface to the at least one other device, the information request packet comprising a request for information from the at least one other device, and a header of a second network protocol, in which a response to the request for information may be provided. Related devices, systems, and methods are also described.