Dynamic CoPP Limit Control for Uneven Protocol Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networking switches are statically configured for control plane policing (CoPP) limits, which fail to adapt to dynamic scenarios where different protocols have uneven loads, affecting protocol convergence and network stability.
Innovation Solution
Implement dynamic CoPP limit derivation based on protocol configuration and application load, using a monitoring module (App Watchdog) to monitor resource usage and adjust CoPP limits dynamically, and send congestion notifications to peers using ECN or PFC to manage traffic rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static CoPP limits are configured in hardware, then control plane protection is enforced with strict control packet rate, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic scenarios where protocol loads are uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic CoPP limits that automatically adjust control packet rate limits based on real-time protocol load conditions. The system transitions from static hardware enforcement to dynamic adjustment by monitoring protocol-specific traffic patterns and adapting limits accordingly, allowing the control plane to handle uneven protocol loads while maintaining protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of CoPP limits from fixed static values to dynamic values that are adjusted based on monitored protocol loads. The monitoring module detects protocol load conditions and triggers parameter changes in the CoPP limits to match actual traffic patterns, resolving the contradiction between strict protection and adaptability
2Device complexity
If static CoPP limits are used, then hardware enforcement is simple, but protocol convergence and network stability are affected by uneven protocol loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a monitoring module as an intermediary between the data plane and control plane. This module monitors protocol loads and provides feedback information that triggers dynamic adjustments to CoPP limits, enabling the system to maintain network stability without requiring complex hardware reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the monitoring module continuously observes protocol load conditions and feeds this information back to adjust CoPP limits dynamically. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to changing network conditions while maintaining simple hardware enforcement of the adjusted limits
Data Source
AI summary
Control plane policing (CoPP) is a mechanism to police incoming traffic to the control plane for control plane protection and routing stability. Currently, networking switches are statically configured for CoPP limits in hardware/firmware. Such an approach of using a static CoPP limit does not work well in dynamic scenarios where one protocol load could be more than the other. The present patent document discloses embodiments of dynamic CoPP limit derivation. CoPP limits are initially estimated based on protocol configuration and are dynamically updated based on application load. A congestion notification may be sent to a sender to limit a transmission rate. Use of dynamic CoPP limit embodiments have advantages of faster protocol convergence, efficient slow packet processing notification to peer, and effective CoPP drop setting based on application load.