Data Mover Offloads Packet Modification from Processor
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for modifying data transferred in computer networks, particularly through routers, inefficiently utilize processor resources for tasks like generating and inserting Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) labels, leading to decreased packet processing performance and potential failure in time-critical tasks.
Innovation Solution
A technique where commands for modifying data are generated and stored in a command table, allowing a data mover to execute these commands during data transfer without utilizing processor resources, thereby reducing processor load and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the processor is used to insert and delete LSPs in packets, then data modification functionality is achieved, but processor resources are wasted and packet processing performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated data mover component is introduced as an intermediary between the processor and packet data. The data mover handles LSP insertion and deletion operations independently, allowing the processor to focus on routing protocols and other tasks without being bogged down by packet modification operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The packet processing function is segmented into distinct components: the processor handles high-level routing decisions, while the data mover handles low-level packet modification operations. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, improving overall system efficiency.
2Productivity
If the processor dedicates substantial resources to modifying data traffic, then data modification tasks are completed, but time-critical tasks cannot be performed within required time windows
Solution Approach 1:
The data mover serves as a dedicated intermediary that handles time-sensitive packet modification operations independently of the processor's routing protocol tasks. This allows time-critical data modification to occur without blocking the processor's ability to perform other time-sensitive functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The data mover is pre-configured with the capability to perform LSP insertion and deletion operations rapidly when needed. By preparing this functionality in advance as a dedicated component, the system can quickly execute time-critical packet modifications without waiting for processor availability.
3Ease of operation
If commands are executed by the processor during data transfer, then data modification is achieved, but processor resources are consumed and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The data mover is introduced as an intermediary component that executes packet modification commands independently of the processor. This allows the processor to maintain ease of operation through high-level command interfaces while the data mover handles the actual resource-intensive operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The data mover is designed as a self-contained component that can autonomously execute LSP insertion and deletion operations without requiring continuous processor intervention. This self-service capability maintains processor efficiency while preserving data modification functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique modifies data transferred from a source to a destination on an intermediate node in a network. According to the technique, a processor of the node issues commands to modify the data. The commands are held in a data structure and not performed on the data until the data is transferred from the source to the destination. As the data is transferred the commands contained in the data structure are performed and the data is modified as directed by the commands.