Distributed Control Device for Network Packet Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In centralized control communication systems, the load on controllers and forwarding devices increases due to the need for centralized path calculation and processing rule management, leading to inefficiencies and increased processing loads.
Innovation Solution
A terminal and control device configuration where the terminal receives and stores processing rules from the control device, allowing it to process packets based on these rules, reducing the load on both the control device and forwarding devices by distributing processing responsibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centralized control is implemented where the controller determines and sets processing rules for packet forwarding, then path control and optimization are improved, but the processing load on the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control architecture by introducing intermediate control devices that distribute processing responsibilities. The controller divides the network into multiple control domains, each managed by a control device that handles local packet processing rules, thereby reducing the burden on the central controller while maintaining optimized path control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control devices as intermediary components between the central controller and forwarding devices. These control devices receive control instructions from the controller and translate them into local processing rules, acting as mediators that reduce direct communication overhead and processing load on the central controller.
2Productivity
If the controller centrally controls multiple switches and calculates entries for each request, then centralized path optimization is achieved, but the processing load on the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having control devices pre-calculate and cache packet processing rules based on historical traffic patterns and network conditions. When packets arrive, the control devices can quickly apply pre-computed rules without requiring real-time calculation from the central controller, thus reducing processing time while maintaining optimization quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling each control device to independently optimize packet processing rules for its local network domain based on local traffic characteristics. This distributed optimization approach reduces the time required for centralized calculation while maintaining overall network optimization effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If processing rules are set for rewriting header content of packets, then packet processing capability is improved, but the load on the switch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex packet processing functions from switches and relocates them to control devices. The control devices generate and manage processing rules for header rewriting, while switches only need to execute these rules without performing complex analysis or decision-making, thereby reducing the processing load on switches while maintaining enhanced packet processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal communicating with a network including a forwarding device for forwarding a packet and a control device for controlling the forwarding device in accordance with a request from the forwarding device, includes: a communication unit that receives a processing rule specifying a method of processing the packet, which is determined by the control device, from the control device, a storage unit that stores the received processing rule, and a processing unit that in a case of communicating with the network, processes the packet in accordance with the processing rule that corresponds to the packet by referring to the processing rule stored in the storage unit.