Distributed Node Processing for Network Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network architectures that rely on a single node for processing network traffic face limitations in capacity and security, as increasing capacity requires enhancing the single node's resources, leading to higher costs and introducing vulnerabilities, where a failure or attack on this node can disrupt service.
Innovation Solution
Implementing distributed node processing, where a controller identifies services for distributed node processing, using a distributed state machine and labels to distribute functions across multiple nodes, allowing packets to be processed based on state transitions and labels, thereby increasing network capacity and security by spreading the workload and reducing single-point vulnerabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single node is used for processing network traffic, then device complexity is reduced, but network capacity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network processing functions into multiple independent nodes, where each node handles specific traffic flows or service functions. This segmentation allows the network to scale capacity by adding more nodes without increasing the complexity of individual nodes, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and network capacity.
2Device complexity
If a single node is used for processing network traffic, then device complexity is reduced, but security and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting network processing across multiple nodes, the patent eliminates single points of failure. If one node fails or is compromised, other nodes continue to process traffic, maintaining network reliability and security without requiring a complex centralized architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of network nodes by introducing state machines that track traffic flow states across distributed nodes. This allows coordinated processing while maintaining independence, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
3Productivity
If single-node resources are increased to enhance capacity, then network capacity improves, but cost and vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of concentrating resources in a single node, the patent segments processing across multiple nodes with moderate resources. This distribution reduces the attack surface and vulnerability of any single node while collectively providing high network capacity, avoiding the security risks associated with resource-intensive single-node designs.
4Productivity
If distributed node processing is implemented, then network capacity and security improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal state machines that can be deployed on any network node, providing multi-functional capability. Each node can handle multiple traffic flows and service types using the same state machine framework, which simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling distributed processing and high capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses state machine parameters to coordinate distributed nodes, changing the control paradigm from centralized to state-based distributed control. This approach manages the complexity of distributed processing through standardized state transitions and parameters, enabling high capacity without proportionally increasing architectural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A first network device may receive first traffic of a session that involves a service. The first network device may identify that the service is configured for distributed node processing. The first network device may identify a second network device that is configured for distributed node processing. The first network device may identify a state machine that is associated with the service. The first network device may determine, based on the state machine, a first function and a second function, wherein the first function is identified by a first label and the second function is identified by a second label. The first network device may process the first traffic based on the first function. The first network device may provide, to the second network device, the first traffic and the second label to permit the second network device to process second traffic in association with the second function.