Method and apparatus for using entropy labels in segment routed networks

摘要

A method and apparatus for using entropy labels in segment routed networks is disclosed. A single ELI and a single EL are provided for a label stack. The ELI and EL are inserted directly below a top-most label in the label stack.;A method and apparatus for using entropy labels in segment routed networks. A top-most label of a label stack of a packet is examined. A NHLFE for the packet is determined. A determination is made as to whether or not an ELI is below the top-most label. An EL is re-used when the ELI is determined to be present . The ELI and the re-used EL are inserted directly below a label associated with the NHLFE in a new label stack.

主权项

1. A method for routing information using entropy labels in a segment routed network having label switched routers (LSRs) that process label stacks corresponding to one or more segments of the segmented routed network from an ingress LSR to an egress LSR, which comprises:
providing a single entropy label identifier (ELI) and a single entropy label (EL) for a label stack associated with a packet traversing from the ingress LSR to the egress LSR; inserting the ELI and EL directly below a top-most label in the label stack; and re-using the ELI and EL as the packet traverses from the ingress LSR to the egress LSR, wherein the ELI and EL are processed in one or more swap operations to occupy a position directly below a current top-most label as the packet transits multiple segments to the egress LSR, thereby resulting in reduced overhead processing by an LSR.