Machine learning-derived entropy path graph from in-situ OAM (iOAM) data

An apparatus, comprising:

• one or more network interfaces to communicate with a segment routed network;
• a processor coupled to the one or more network interfaces and configured to execute one or more processes;
• and
• a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to:
• receive in-situ operations administration and management (iOAM) data packet regarding a plurality of traffic flows in the network, wherein the iOAM data packet comprises entropy values for the plurality of traffic flows;
• receive network topology information indicative of network paths available in the network;
• generate a machine learning-based entropy topology model for the network based on the received iOAM data packet and the received network topology information, wherein the entropy topology model maps path selection predictions for the network paths with the entropy values;
• and use the entropy topology model to cause a particular traffic flow to use a particular network path,
• wherein the network uses Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) routing to route the plurality of traffic flows via the network based in part on the entropy values.

A tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media having software encoded thereon, the software when executed by a device in a network operable to perform a process comprising:

• receiving, at the device, in-situ operations administration and management (iOAM) data packet regarding a plurality of traffic flows in the network, wherein the iOAM data packet comprises entropy values for the plurality of traffic flows;
• receiving, at the device, network topology information indicative of network paths available in the network;
• generating, by the device, a machine learning-based entropy topology model for the network based on the received iOAM data packet and the received network topology information, wherein the entropy topology model maps path selection predictions for the network paths with the entropy values;
• and
• using, by the device, the entropy topology model to cause a particular traffic flow to use a particular network path,
• wherein the network uses Equal-Cost Multi-Path (ECMP) routing to route the plurality of traffic flows via the network based in part on the entropy values.