Dynamic Batch Management of Shared Packet Buffers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing shared packet buffers in computer systems are suboptimal due to their inability to respond effectively to changes in network traffic, leading to inconsistent and suboptimal batch processing performance.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic batch management system that adjusts the size of shared packet buffers based on available memory thresholds, allowing for flexible reallocation of memory resources without manual intervention, using a memory management module within a hypervisor to resize the pool of host memory buffers in response to changes in network packet processing demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of shared packet buffers is fixed, then memory allocation is simple and stable, but the system cannot respond effectively to changes in network traffic leading to suboptimal batch processing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer management by allowing the hypervisor to adjust the size of shared packet buffers at runtime based on network traffic conditions. The buffer pool size is no longer fixed but can be expanded or contracted dynamically, enabling the system to adapt to varying network loads and maintain optimal processing performance under different traffic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the hypervisor monitors network traffic conditions and buffer usage patterns, then uses this information to make informed decisions about buffer allocation. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to actual performance metrics and traffic patterns, adjusting buffer sizes to optimize batch processing while preventing memory exhaustion.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is used to manage buffer sizes, then memory resources can be controlled precisely, but the management process becomes complex and requires administrator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to manage its own memory resources automatically without requiring administrator intervention. The hypervisor self-adjusts buffer pool sizes based on monitored conditions, performing allocation, expansion, and contraction operations autonomously. This self-service capability simplifies operations while maintaining precise control over memory resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
Automatic feedback-driven adjustment mechanisms allow the hypervisor to continuously monitor buffer usage and network traffic conditions, then automatically adjust buffer sizes without human intervention. This closed-loop system uses performance metrics to trigger buffer pool resizing operations, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining optimal resource allocation.
3Productivity
If buffer pool size is increased to handle peak traffic, then network packet processing capacity is improved, but memory resources are wasted during low traffic periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts buffer pool sizes to match actual network traffic demands rather than maintaining a fixed large allocation. During peak traffic periods, the buffer pool expands to handle increased load, while during low traffic periods, it contracts to release memory resources. This dynamic sizing eliminates the need to over-provision memory, preventing resource waste while maintaining processing capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the buffer pool size parameter dynamically based on traffic conditions. By adjusting this key parameter in response to monitored metrics such as buffer usage rates and network traffic intensity, the system optimizes the balance between processing capacity and memory utilization, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across varying operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing dynamic batch management of shared packet buffers are disclosed. A virtualized computer system may include a hypervisor with access to memory and executed by a processor to maintain a pool of host memory to store a plurality of incoming network packets received by a network device, adjust a number of memory buffers associated with the pool of host memory to resize the pool of host memory, receive an indication of an incoming network packet stored in the pool of host memory by the network device, and provide the incoming network packet to a guest. In an example, the hypervisor uses the pool of host memory to perform batch processing of the incoming network packets and dynamically adjusts the size of the pool during the processing by adding or removing memory buffers in response to an event, condition, request, etc.