SRv6 Micro Segments for Network Slice Differential Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Segment Routing networks face challenges in efficiently provisioning and processing packets to invoke specific network behaviors, particularly in realizing network slices with differential processing requirements, which is crucial for emerging technologies and high-performance applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Segment Routing Internet Protocol Version 6 (SRv6) Identifiers (SIDs) and micro segments (uSIDs) within packets allows for differential processing by network nodes, enabling the realization of network slices through updated IPv6 Destination Addresses and lookup operations in Network Slice mapping data structures, configuring hardware resources for specific behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If packet switching technology is used to forward packets based on network nodes or paths, then network speed and capacity are improved, but the ability to provide differential processing for network slices is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function by introducing separate control plane and data plane processing. The control plane handles packet forwarding decisions based on SIDs, while the data plane executes differential processing for network slices. This segmentation allows both high-speed forwarding and customized differential processing to coexist without compromising either capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces SID (Segment Identifier) and uSID (micro segment identifier) as intermediary elements that mediate between the packet forwarding function and the differential processing function. These identifiers enable the network to simultaneously achieve fast packet switching and provide customized processing for different network slices by mapping SIDs to specific processing behaviors.
2Reliability
If network slices are realized with differential processing requirements, then service level agreements are improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal SID framework that serves multiple functions: routing, network slice identification, and differential processing invocation. This multi-functionality reduces network complexity by consolidating multiple control functions into a single mechanism, while still enabling reliable SLA guarantees through customized data plane processing for different slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses uSID (micro segment identifier) as a simplified copy or derivative of the SID structure, specifically designed for invoking network slice behaviors. This copying approach maintains the simplicity and scalability of the original SID framework while adding the capability to differentiate processing requirements for various network slices, thus avoiding the need for entirely new complex identification mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SRv6 Identifiers and micro segments are implemented for differential processing, then network slicing capability is improved, but packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary mapping and configuration of SID-to-network-slice behavior relationships in the control plane before data plane processing occurs. This preliminary action offloads the complexity of determining which differential processing to apply from the data plane, allowing network nodes to simply forward packets based on pre-configured SID mappings while still achieving sophisticated network slicing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, Segment Routing Internet Protocol Version 6 (SRv6) micro segments (“uSIDs”) are included in destination addresses, and possibly in other Segment Identifiers (“SIDs”), of packets transported through a network, and invoking corresponding network behavior, including, but not limited to, realization of corresponding network slices. In one embodiment, network nodes are configured to perform differential network slice realization functionality based on values slice-representative value(s) provided by global and/or local uSIDs of packets. This configuration may be defined by a controller in the network and/or routing protocol advertisements. Responsive to a received packet, a network node identifies and performs the corresponding network slice realization functionality based on slice-representative value(s) provided by one or more global and/or local uSIDs of the destination address of the received packet. Various encodings within an IPv6 Destination Address of the encapsulating packet are disclosed.