Cloud RAN User Plane Traffic Control with Secure eBPF Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud RAN environments face challenges in controlling user plane network traffic due to high latency introduced by Linux kernel networking stacks, leading to unfeasible secure control of network traffic by third-party automation and optimization applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the deployment of a temporary container with a pre-compiled network traffic control program (NTCP) based on eBPF technology, which is securely attached to a packet-processing application within a container group to control network traffic, generate logs and counters, and provide encrypted/obfuscated information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Linux kernel networking stack is used for user plane traffic processing, then ease of operation is improved, but latency increases making performance requirements unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network traffic control functionality from the Linux kernel networking stack by using eBPF programs that run in user space within the DPDK application. This allows the application to bypass the kernel networking stack for packet processing while still enabling controlled access to network interfaces, thereby reducing latency while maintaining operational simplicity through the eBPF control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces eBPF as an intermediary layer between user space applications and the kernel networking stack. The eBPF programs act as mediators that can filter, redirect, and control network traffic without requiring full kernel stack processing, enabling low-latency packet processing while maintaining the benefits of kernel-space networking infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If third-party automation applications are deployed to control network traffic, then adaptability is improved, but system security and integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the execution environment parameters for network traffic control programs by using pre-compiled eBPF programs with restricted system access. These programs run in a controlled user space environment with limited privileges, allowing third-party applications to adaptively control network traffic while maintaining system integrity through enforced security boundaries and verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temporary, disposable eBPF programs that are loaded, executed for their specific control task, and then removed. These short-lived programs minimize the security risk window and reduce the attack surface, allowing adaptable third-party control applications to operate without compromising long-term system integrity.
3Loss of time
If eBPF programs are used for network traffic control, then latency is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of eBPF as a multi-functional framework that can handle various network traffic control tasks (filtering, redirection, monitoring, etc.) through a single standardized interface. This reduces the need for multiple specialized kernel modules or complex custom kernel modifications, thereby lowering overall system complexity while achieving low-latency performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network traffic control functionality into separate, modular eBPF programs that can be independently developed, verified, and loaded. This segmentation allows complex control logic to be divided into manageable units, reducing the complexity burden on the core system while enabling flexible composition of control functions through program linking and chaining.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a computer system for use in controlling user plane network traffic in a cloud environment is described. The method includes deploying a temporary container in an executing container group, the executing container group including an application container that executes a packet-processing application, wherein the temporary container includes a network traffic control software that includes a pre-compiled network traffic control program and configuration information, wherein the temporary container, when deployed, executes a client component that is operable to: establish a secure connection to a server component of the packet-processing application and transfer the network traffic control software to the packet¬processing application using the secure connection, wherein the pre-compiled network traffic control program, when executed in the packet-processing application, is operable to control network traffic associated with the packet-processing application.