SRv6 Telemetry Collection via Dynamic SID Function Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current In-Band Network Telemetry (INT) and In-Situ Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (IOAM) technologies face complexity in configuring nodes for telemetry data collection, lacking a mechanism to dynamically assign functions to nodes or override existing functions based on collector needs, which hinders efficient network performance and troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6) mechanisms allows for dynamic telemetry processing by including a list of Segment Identifiers (SIDs) in the IPv6 packet header, which defines the path and functions for each node, enabling on-the-fly function changes and reducing configuration complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional INT or IOAM configuration process is used to define node functions for telemetry data collection, then telemetry information can be collected, but the configuration process becomes complex and cannot dynamically assign different functions to nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the telemetry path and node functions to be dynamically configured through SRv6 SID lists in packet headers, rather than static pre-configuration. The network controller can dynamically modify the SID list to change which nodes collect telemetry and what functions they perform, allowing adaptive response to changing network conditions and collector requirements without reconfiguring individual nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by making network nodes multi-functional through the SID list mechanism. Any node in the network can be dynamically assigned different functions (start node, transit node, terminate node, or function override) based on the SID list configuration, allowing the same physical node to serve multiple roles depending on the telemetry collection requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static node configuration is used for telemetry collection, then nodes can perform predefined functions, but the system cannot override node functions based on dynamic collector needs
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic function override capability is achieved through the SRv6 SID list mechanism, where the network controller can modify the SID list in packet headers to dynamically change node functions. This allows real-time adaptation to collector needs without requiring manual reconfiguration of individual nodes, providing operational flexibility while maintaining system stability.
3Measurement precision
If detailed configuration is performed for each node in the telemetry path, then accurate telemetry data can be collected, but the configuration time and resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the telemetry path and node functions through the SRv6 SID list before actual telemetry collection begins. The network controller configures the entire telemetry path in advance, and nodes simply execute the predefined functions without requiring detailed per-node configuration during operation, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining data accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating the telemetry path configuration through the SRv6 SID list mechanism. Instead of configuring each node individually, the controller creates a unified path definition that is copied and applied across all relevant nodes simultaneously, reducing configuration overhead while ensuring consistent telemetry collection across the entire path.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and mechanisms for monitoring and processing telemetry information of an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet in a network. The IPv6 packet includes an IPv6 header having a Segment Identifier (SID) field, and a function field. According to this disclosure, the function field may include a function associated with an operation for collecting telemetry information of a first node indicated by the SID field. When the function executed by the first node, it may collect the telemetry information from the first node, and export the telemetry information to a collector node. Further, the function may indicate an operation for collecting the telemetry information of a set of paths including one or more nodes, where the telemetry path can be changed dynamically. In this way, each node in the telemetry path may define a new path for collecting the telemetry information.