Selecting Segment Routing Policies based on Eligibility

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling candidate path selection in a segment routing network are disclosed. A head-end node maintains a plurality of candidate paths for a segment routing policy, each candidate path being associated with a respective SID list and a respective eligibility flag. The head-end node uses the eligibility flags as selection criteria when selecting an active path, such that a candidate path is eligible for selection only when its corresponding eligibility flag is TRUE. A candidate path having its eligibility flag FALSE remains operationally up and available for use, with signaling and operational state maintained, but is excluded from selection. The eligibility flag may be set by a path computation element, the head-end node, or another entity in response to conditions including link or node failure, path deviation from an intended path, constraint violation, or repair, thereby preserving user intent through topology and network changes.

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