US Patent 11777841 Handling diversity constraints with Segment Routing and centralized PCE

A method implemented in a network element includes, for a service, receiving a Segment Identifier (SID) list and an explicit list for an intended path in a Segment Routing network; expanding the SID list and comparing the expanded SID list to the explicit list; and setting the intended path as either valid or invalid based on the comparing. The intended path can be a primary path, and the steps can further include receiving a SID list and an explicit list for a backup path in the Segment Routing network. The steps can further include switching to the backup path responsive to a failure on the primary path, and switching back to the primary path responsive to it being valid.