SRv6 Segment Identifier Format Signaling for Packet Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The format of segment identifiers in Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) is not explicitly notified, limiting network programming capabilities of network nodes, as they cannot learn or modify fields to carry necessary function information.
Innovation Solution
A packet processing method that allows network nodes to receive and determine the format of segment identifiers, adding specific values to packets based on a segment routing policy, including network performance parameters and network slice identifiers to enhance network programming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the format of segment identifier is not explicitly notified in SRv6 network, then the network can maintain simpler communication protocols, but the network programming capability of network nodes deteriorates as they cannot learn or modify fields to carry function information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the second network node proactively advertise its segment identifier format to the first network node before actual packet processing occurs. This is achieved through receiving a first packet that carries the format information in advance, allowing the first network node to prepare appropriate routing policies and field modifications before needing to process data packets, thus enabling network programming capability without complicating the underlying communication protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism where a format advertisement packet serves as a mediator between network nodes. This first packet acts as an intermediary carrier that transports the segment identifier format information from the second network node to the first network node, enabling the exchange of programming capabilities without requiring direct modification of the data packet format or complex protocol negotiations
2Device complexity
If network nodes cannot learn the format of segment identifier, then the packet structure remains simpler, but the ability to carry function information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the format advertisement function from the data packet function. The segment identifier format information is carried in a dedicated first packet, while data packets contain only the actual segment identifiers. This segmentation allows the packet structure to remain simple for data transmission while still enabling function information carrying through the separate format advertisement mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The format information is transmitted in advance through a first packet before actual data packets need to carry function information. This preliminary action allows network nodes to pre-configure their understanding of segment identifier formats, enabling them to interpret and modify fields in subsequent data packets to carry function information without increasing the inherent complexity of the data packet structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If network nodes cannot modify fields in segment identifier, then the segment routing header remains more standardized, but the flexibility to carry corresponding function information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different network nodes to have different segment identifier formats tailored to their specific functional requirements. Each network node can advertise its own customized format with fields suited to its functions (e.g., traffic engineering, network slicing), while the overall segment routing header structure remains standardized. This enables local adaptation without compromising global standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by allowing the segment identifier format to be adaptable and modifiable based on network programming needs. Network nodes can dynamically select and apply different format configurations for different functions or service types, while maintaining the core standardized segment routing header. This dynamic capability enables flexibility in carrying function information without breaking the fundamental standardization of the routing header structure
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a packet processing method, including: obtaining, by a first network node, a format of a segment identifier of a second network node, where the format is used to describe a location and a length of each field in the segment identifier of the second network node, and the segment identifier of the second network node includes a first field; determining, by the first network node, a value of the first field in the segment identifier of the second network node based on a segment routing policy and the format of the segment identifier of the second network node, and adding the determined value of the first field to a second packet sent to the second network node, where the determined value of the first field is used to indicate the second network node to process the second packet. In the embodiments of the present invention, a prior-art problem that a programming capability of a network node is affected because an obtained format of a segment identifier of the network node cannot be displayed can be resolved.