SRv6 Route Generation Using Slice-Aware IPv6 Prefix Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Segment routing over IPv6 (SRv6) does not support resource isolation, preventing the generation of a corresponding route for each network slice, which hinders effective network slicing and resource isolation.
Innovation Solution
Associating a network slice identifier with an IPv6 address prefix and flooding SR routing information within the SRv6 network to generate routes for each network slice, using ISIS or OSPF protocols to establish an association between network slice identifiers and IPv6 address prefixes, thereby slicing the SRv6 physical network into virtual networks with isolated resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SRv6 is used for network routing, then routing efficiency and programmability are improved, but resource isolation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SRv6 network into multiple virtual networks by introducing network slice identifiers. Each network slice is assigned a unique identifier that segments the routing space, enabling resource isolation while maintaining SRv6 routing efficiency. The network device generates separate routing entries for each network slice, effectively dividing the unified SRv6 network into isolated virtual networks.
2Device complexity
If a unified SRv6 network is used, then network simplicity is improved, but network slice generation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the SRv6 network by introducing network slice identifiers as an additional routing dimension. Instead of modifying the fundamental SRv6 structure, it overlays a slice identification layer that enables network slicing without complicating the base network architecture. This dimensional addition allows multiple virtual networks to coexist on the same physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific network slice identifiers to different network devices and interfaces based on their functional requirements. Each network slice can have customized routing policies, bandwidth allocations, and quality of service parameters tailored to its specific needs, while the overall network maintains a unified SRv6 structure.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
This application provides a route generation method, applied to an SRv6 network and including: receiving, by a first network device, a first notification packet from a second network device; where the first notification packet includes a network slice identifier, the first notification packet indicates an association relationship between information of the network slice identifier and an IPv6 address prefix of the second network device, and the network slice identifier is used to identify one network slice; and generating, by the first network device, a route forwarding entry for the IPv6 address prefix of the second network device based on an association relationship between the network slice identifier and the IPv6 address prefix of the second network device. This helps implement a network slice and resource isolation in the SRv6.