SRv6 Path Validation Using Flow Labels for Scalable ECMP Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and routing large volumes of data within a network is challenging due to the need for validating data paths between network nodes, which increases exponentially with the number of nodes, and existing methods for validating Segment Identifier Lists (SID-lists) in Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) are computationally intensive and prone to missing paths.
Innovation Solution
A scalable method for validating multiple paths in SRv6 networks using a reduced number of flow labels and test packets, iteratively validating packet forwarding through a queue of network hops, and utilizing the same encapsulation as data traffic for testing all paths between a headend and tailend.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to validate data paths between network nodes, then path validation can be performed, but the computational complexity increases exponentially with the number of network nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path validation into discrete segment routing instructions (SIDs) that can be independently validated. Each SID represents a segment of the overall path, allowing the validation process to break down complex multi-hop paths into manageable units that can be validated systematically without exponential complexity growth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary validation by encoding the segment routing policy and path constraints into SID-lists before actual data transmission. This preliminary action allows the network to pre-validate paths and detect issues before they affect real traffic, reducing the need for complex runtime validation
2Reliability
If existing methods for validating SID-lists in SRv6 are used, then path validation can be performed, but the process is computationally intensive and prone to missing paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where validation results from segment routing operations are fed back into the SID-list construction process. This allows the system to learn from validation outcomes and adjust path selection and validation strategies, improving accuracy while reducing redundant computational efforts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical path validation methods (such as iterative probing and exhaustive path checking) with segment routing's structured SID-based approach. This substitution leverages the inherent structure of SRv6 to achieve validation more efficiently, reducing computational resource consumption while improving path detection accuracy
3Reliability
If a large number of flow labels and test packets are used to validate all paths, then comprehensive path validation can be achieved, but the number of packets and labels increases significantly in massively scaled networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the segment routing infrastructure universal by designing SID-lists that can represent and validate multiple paths simultaneously. A single SID-list structure can encode multiple segment sequences, allowing comprehensive path validation without requiring separate test packets for each path, thus reducing the quantity of test traffic needed
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for a scalable process for validating multiple paths used for routing network traffic in a network using segment routing. In one aspect, a method includes identifying, by a first network hop, one or more second network hops, for each of the one or more second network hops, determining a corresponding flow label, the corresponding flow label including a corresponding test packet for validating packet forwarding between the first network hop and a corresponding second network hop, and performing a validation process for validating packet forwarding from the first network hop to the corresponding second network hop using at least the corresponding flow label. The method further includes determining a queue of additional network hops to be validated based on a result of the validation process, and iteratively validating packet forwarding for each additional network hop in the queue.