Session Date/Time: 10 Nov 2022 15:30

bier

Summary

This BIER working group meeting covered a range of topics, including document status updates, discussion of an efficient P4-based BIER implementation on Tofino, a new approach for recursive bit masks, and updates on BIER FRR and TE extensions. Several documents were identified for last call, and the need for shepherds was highlighted.

Key Discussion Points

Document Status: Updates were provided on the status of various BIER-related drafts. The BIER TE document has been approved as RFC. Several documents are nearing last call and require shepherds.
P4-based BIER Implementation: Stefan presented an efficient P4-based BIER implementation on the Tofino platform, focusing on reducing recirculation and improving performance using configurable Port Clusters.
Recursive Bit Masks: Tallest presented a new approach for BIER using recursive bit masks, aiming to improve scalability and efficiency, particularly in large networks. The approach uses a distributed way of encoding and processing the bitstrings, where each router only examines the portion relevant to itself, thereby potentially improving scaling.
BIER FRR Update: Discussions about the requirement to support LFA in every node which the BFR already supports, so the draft's requirement is not completely correct.
BIER TE Extension Update: Presentation regarding the use of new advertisement to reduce bytes consumption, which is a simple move of ID advertisement.

Decisions and Action Items

BIER Ping Draft: The chairs will assign an editor to the BIER ping draft to facilitate its progress.
BIER Proxy Draft: Jeffrey will refresh the BIER proxy draft and request a shepherd.
Documents for Last Call: The following drafts will be put up for last call.
- BIER Proxy Draft (mldp one)
- BIER Prefix Redistribute
BGPD update Draft: Send the BGPD extension document to IDR working group, plus call again, and assign a Shepard.
Early Reviews: Chairs will remind authors about the routing area policy requiring early reviews before drafts go to area directors after last call.
Action Item: Authors of all drafts nearing last call should ensure they are updated to address all outstanding comments.

Next Steps

The chairs will follow up with authors regarding editor assignments and shepherd requests.
The working group will review and provide feedback on the recursive bit masks proposal (RBS) on the mailing list.
Authors will address IDR's comments and concerns after the draft is sent to them.
The BIER working group will continue to track the progress of active drafts and schedule future discussions as needed.