SRv6 Forwarding Path Establishment via Autonomous Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of establishing a forwarding path in SRv6 networks is complex due to the need for a control node to configure each network node individually, especially when there are a large number of network nodes involved.

Innovation Solution

A method where a network node obtains path information including an identifier of network nodes and transmission resource requirements, and sends a path establishment request packet to allocate transmission resources, allowing intermediate nodes to allocate resources without explicit configuration by the control node, simplifying the path establishment process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the control node sequentially configures each network node based on the forwarding path sequence, then the forwarding path can be established with proper resource allocation, but the path establishment process becomes excessively complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforwarding path establishment reliabilityVSAvoidpath establishment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each network node autonomously allocates transmission resources for the forwarding path based on locally stored path information and resource status, without requiring sequential configuration by the control node. The nodes self-configure by processing path establishment request packets and making independent resource allocation decisions, thereby simplifying the overall path establishment process while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control node pre-determines and distributes path information (including path sequence and resource requirements) to network nodes before path establishment. This preliminary action enables nodes to perform autonomous resource allocation without requiring real-time sequential configuration, reducing the complexity of the path establishment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the control node configures each network node individually, then resource allocation can be precisely controlled, but the configuration process becomes excessively complex when there are many network nodes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation precisionVSAvoidpath establishment operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The path establishment process is segmented into independent operations at each network node. Each node receives path information, independently performs resource allocation based on local conditions, and forwards the request to the next node. This segmentation maintains precise resource allocation control while avoiding the complexity of centralized sequential configuration across all nodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each network node is designed with universal resource allocation capabilities, enabling it to autonomously perform the same resource allocation function that would otherwise require control node intervention. This multi-functionality allows nodes to self-configure, simplifying operations while maintaining allocation precision through consistent application of allocation rules at each node

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If intermediate network nodes locally search for SID and modify packet headers, then packet forwarding can be performed with flexible routing control, but forwarding processing time increases and data forwarding efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting control flexibilityVSAvoiddata forwarding efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ingress network node performs preliminary actions by encapsulating the packet header with SRH and SID list before forwarding to intermediate nodes. This pre-configured header information enables intermediate nodes to perform simple label-based forwarding without complex local searches, maintaining routing flexibility while significantly improving forwarding efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of local SID search and header modification at each intermediate node with a more efficient label-switching mechanism. Intermediate nodes use the pre-provided SID list to directly identify next-hop nodes and forward packets, substituting complex processing with simpler table-lookup operations that maintain routing control flexibility while improving forwarding speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12003410B2Method and apparatus for establishing forwarding path, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for establishing a forwarding path, the method including obtaining, by a first network node, path information of a to-be-established forwarding path, where the path information comprises an identifier of a network node on the forwarding path and a transmission resource requirement that needs to be allocated by the network node to the forwarding path, and sending a path establishment request packet based on the path information, where a packet header of the path establishment request packet comprises the path information, and where the path establishment request packet triggers the network node to allocate a transmission resource to the forwarding path based on the transmission resource requirement.