Deterministic Network Packet Asynchronous Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional deterministic networking techniques are incompatible with asynchronous packet operations due to their requirement for fixed latency and zero jitter, making it difficult to perform actions like packet processing, header modifications, or firewall services within the deterministic schedule.
Innovation Solution
A method where a device in a deterministic network sends a first packet according to a deterministic schedule and then sends a second packet with the action to be performed on the first packet, allowing the action to be executed before the first packet reaches its destination, thereby maintaining deterministic delivery while enabling asynchronous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deterministic networking techniques are used to ensure fixed latency and zero jitter, then packet delivery reliability is improved, but the ability to perform asynchronous packet operations (such as firewall services, header modifications, or CPU-based processing) deteriorates because these operations require variable processing time that conflicts with deterministic scheduling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function into two independent parts: (1) deterministic packet forwarding handled by the network device's forwarding plane, and (2) asynchronous packet operations handled by the CPU. This segmentation allows the forwarding plane to maintain deterministic behavior while the CPU performs variable-time operations independently, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network device determine and prepare packet operations in advance using received parameters (such as packet headers or metadata) before the packet actually arrives. The device can pre-compute actions like firewall rules, header modifications, or routing decisions, so that when the packet arrives, the deterministic forwarding can proceed without waiting for CPU processing, thus maintaining both reliability and operational versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If packet operations are performed by moving packets to the CPU for processing, then operational flexibility is improved, but latency increases and deterministic delivery guarantees deteriorate due to variable processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs preliminary actions by determining packet operations in advance based on packet parameters received before the packet arrives. This pre-computation eliminates the need to wait for CPU processing during packet transmission, reducing latency while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network device's forwarding plane acts as a mediator between incoming packets and CPU-based operations. The forwarding plane can handle deterministic forwarding independently and only involves the CPU when necessary, using intermediaries like packet metadata or headers to convey necessary information without requiring full packet CPU processing, thus reducing latency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous operations are allowed in the network device, then operational capability is improved, but maintaining fixed latency and zero jitter becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments operations into deterministic forwarding (handled by the forwarding plane with fixed latency guarantees) and asynchronous operations (handled by the CPU independently). This segmentation allows asynchronous operations to occur without interfering with the precision-timed forwarding path, maintaining latency precision while improving operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By determining packet operations in advance using preliminary analysis of packet parameters, the network device prepares actions before packets arrive. This eliminates the need for time-critical CPU processing during packet transmission, allowing asynchronous operations to proceed without compromising latency precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a particular device in a deterministic network performs classification of one or more packets of a traffic flow between a source and a destination in the deterministic network. The particular device determines, based on the classification of the one or more packets, a requirement of the traffic flow. The particular device performs, based on the requirement, a packet operation on at least one packet of the traffic flow. The particular device sends packets of the traffic flow towards the destination via two or more paths in the deterministic network.