SRv6 Header Compression with 32-Bit X-SIDs for Lower Packet Overhead

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high overhead of SRv6 data packets leads to reduced network utilization, increased complexity in network chip processing, and difficulty in deploying SRv6 in carrier networks, hindering its rapid deployment and evolution.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for compressing the SRv6 extension header using a 32-bit X-SID to replace the standard 128-bit SID, allowing for mixed encoding with traditional SRv6 SIDs, thereby reducing header overhead and optimizing network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standard 128-bit SRv6 SID is used in data packets, then routing precision and network programmability are improved, but packet overhead increases and bandwidth utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting precisionVSAvoidpacket overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the 128-bit SID into a 32-bit compressed SID format. By dividing the original large-size SID into a smaller compressed representation, the patent reduces packet overhead while maintaining routing functionality. The compressed SID contains essential routing information in a condensed form, allowing precise routing without the full 128-bit overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of SID length from 128 bits to 32 bits through compression. This parameter change directly reduces the overhead in data packets from 128 bytes to 32 bytes per SID, improving bandwidth utilization while preserving the core routing identification capability through the compressed format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If 128-bit SRv6 SID is used, then routing capability is improved, but network chip processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting capabilityVSAvoidnetwork chip processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex 128-bit SID processing into a simpler 32-bit compressed SID format. This segmentation reduces the computational burden on network chips by processing smaller data units while maintaining routing capability through the compressed representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simplified 32-bit compressed SID format that is easier and less resource-intensive to process compared to the full 128-bit SID. This compressed format acts as a lightweight alternative that reduces processing complexity and resource consumption in network chips while achieving the same routing objective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If SRv6 is deployed with 128-bit SID, then future-proofing and programmability are improved, but deployment difficulty and upgrade cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprogrammabilityVSAvoiddeployment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the SID parameter from 128 bits to 32 bits through compression, making the deployment more practical and easier to implement in existing networks. This parameter change reduces the complexity of network chip modifications and lowers upgrade costs while preserving programmability through the compressed format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4138349B1Data packet processing method and device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • EP4138349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4138349B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4138349B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and device for data packet processing. The method includes that: first information and second information of a first Segment ID (SID) are obtained, the first information being used for indicating the position of a container where the first SID is located in an SID list of a data packet, and the second information being used for indicating the position of the first SID in the container; the position of the first SID in the SID list is obtained according to the first information and the second information; the first SID is copied to a Destination Address (DA) of the data packet, and the data packet is sent.