SRv6 Segment Routing Header Compression With Programmable E-C-SIDs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The overhead of segment routing headers in SRv6 is high due to the use of 128-bit segment identifications, and existing compression solutions either lack sufficient programmable capability or reduce compression efficiency when increasing bit length for network programming.

Innovation Solution

Configure C-SIDs for all nodes and E-C-SIDs with a function field for some nodes, generating a segment list with E-C-SIDs adjacent to C-SIDs, and carry this list in the SRH to reduce overhead while enabling network programming at both tail and intermediate nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 128-bit segment identifications are used in SRv6, then network programming capability is improved, but header overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork programming capabilityVSAvoidheader overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The segment identification is segmented into two parts: a compressed segment identification (C-SID) of reduced bit length for routing purposes, and a function field for network programming. This segmentation allows the routing function to use compact identifiers while the programming function utilizes the additional function field, thereby reducing header overhead while maintaining network programming capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the routing identification function and the network programming function into a single hybrid segment identification structure. The C-SID portion handles routing while the function field handles programming operations, combining both functionalities in one field to avoid the need for separate full-length identifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If compression solutions are applied to reduce SRH overhead, then header size is reduced, but programmable capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheader sizeVSAvoidprogrammable capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional characteristics to different parts of the segment identification. The C-SID portion is optimized for compact routing identification, while the function field is specifically designed to carry network programming instructions. This localized functional differentiation allows compression in the routing portion while preserving programming capability in the function field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If E-C-SID with function field is added for network programming, then programming capability is enhanced, but segment list complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidsegment list structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic functionality by making the function field programmable while keeping the C-SID portion static for routing. The function field can be dynamically configured to perform different network operations (e.g., service chaining, policy enforcement), while the overall segment list structure remains manageable through the compact C-SID identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4135274B1Segment routing header compression method, service processing method and device, computer device and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 ZTE CORP
  • EP4135274B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP4135274B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP4135274B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and in particular to a segment routing header compression method. The segment routing header compression method includes: configuring a regular compression segment identification for respective nodes on a segment routing path and configuring an extended compression segment identification for at least one of nodes on the segment routing path, the extended compression segment identification of the at least one of the nodes including at least a function field; generating a segment list which includes the regular compression segment identification of the respective nodes and the extended compression segment identification of the at least one of the nodes, in the segment list, the extended compression segment identification of the at least one of the nodes being adjacent to and located after the regular compression segment identification of the at least one of the nodes; and carrying the segment list in a segment routing header of a service message. Embodiments of the present disclosure also provides a service processing method, a segment routing header compression apparatus, a service processing apparatus, a computer device and a computer-readable medium.