Dynamic Inline Entry Management for Network Packet Health

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer networks face inefficiencies in managing periodic packets due to limited space in hardware tables, requiring a dynamic and selective approach to handle entries with varying periodic intervals, as existing methods either rely heavily on software resources or are limited by the capacity of inline mode tables.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where network devices dynamically compare periodic intervals to swap entries between inline and distributed modes, allowing entries with shorter intervals to be managed efficiently at the hardware level and those with longer intervals to be handled in distributed or centralized modes, thereby optimizing resource usage and maintaining network health.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of inline entries in the hardware table is increased to manage more periodic packets at hardware level, then the efficiency of periodic packet management is improved, but the device complexity and hardware resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of periodic packet managementVSAvoidhardware table capacity requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the mode of periodic packet management (inline vs. distributed) based on the periodic interval of each entry. Entries with shorter intervals are managed in inline mode when hardware resources permit, while entries with longer intervals are managed in distributed mode. This dynamic allocation allows the system to optimize efficiency without permanently increasing hardware table capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the management parameter (mode of operation) based on the periodic interval parameter. When the periodic interval is below a threshold, inline mode is used; when above the threshold, distributed mode is used. This parameter-based differentiation allows efficient use of hardware resources while maintaining effective management of all periodic packet entries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If periodic packets are managed in centralized or distributed mode using software resources, then the flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the processing efficiency and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in managing periodic packetsVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Different management modes are applied to different periodic packet entries based on their specific characteristics (periodic interval). Entries with short intervals are assigned to inline mode for high efficiency, while entries with long intervals are assigned to distributed mode for flexibility. This localized quality assignment optimizes both efficiency and adaptability for each specific case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The periodic packet management is segmented into two distinct modes: inline mode for high-frequency packets and distributed mode for low-frequency packets. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized for its specific use case, with inline mode providing hardware-level efficiency for frequent packets and distributed mode providing software flexibility for less frequent packets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the hardware table is filled with existing entries, then the current periodic packets are managed efficiently, but the ability to add new entries with shorter periodic intervals is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of current periodic packet managementVSAvoidability to add new entries

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

When the hardware table is full and a new entry with a short periodic interval needs to be added, the system identifies and moves existing entries with long periodic intervals from inline mode to distributed mode. This recovers space in the hardware table for the new high-priority entry while maintaining management of all entries through the distributed mode transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

When an entry is moved from inline mode to distributed mode, the system creates a corresponding entry in the distributed management structure. This copying ensures that the periodic packet management continues without interruption, with the same entry now managed by the distributed mode software process instead of the inline hardware table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10972402B1Dynamic management of inline entries in hardware across protocols in a scaled environment

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 JUNIPER NETWORKS INC

AI summary

Techniques within a network device to execute periodic packet management (PPM) used to determine the health of a network. The inline mode of periodic packet management may be more efficient than other modes of periodic packet management such as centralized mode or distributed mode. The number of inline entries for a given hardware table may be limited, which means that once the number of inline entries in the table has reached the size limit, then any new entries must be managed in the distributed mode or the centralized mode. The techniques of this disclosure may improve the efficiency of a network device by replacing inline entries handled at a lower frequency in the hardware table with entries for periodic packets that are handled with a higher frequency (shorter periodic interval). In this manner, the entries with shorter periodic intervals may be managed using the more efficient inline mode.