Exact Match Flow Table Update Logic for SDN Packet Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Software Defined Networks (SDNs), data packet processing is delayed due to the suspension of flow table searches during updates, affecting network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that directly searches for exact match entries in the flow table using packet header information, determining the validity of wildcard entries by comparing their update times with creation times, allowing simultaneous flow table updating and searching without invalidating exact match entries, thus avoiding processing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flow table is updated, then network flexibility is improved, but data packet processing speed deteriorates due to search suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The flow table is segmented into two independent parts: a wildcard entry storage structure and an exact match entry storage structure. The wildcard entry is updated independently without affecting the exact match entry, allowing simultaneous updates and searches. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling network flexibility through wildcard updates while maintaining data packet processing speed through independent exact match access.
Solution Approach 2:
The exact match entry is extracted from the traditional flow table structure and separated into an independent storage structure. This extraction allows the exact match entry to be accessed independently during wildcard entry updates, eliminating the need to suspend searches. The separation enables concurrent operations that resolve the contradiction between update flexibility and processing speed.
2Reliability
If flow table search is suspended during update, then update reliability is improved, but data packet processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the flow table into wildcard entry and exact match entry as independent structures, the patent enables concurrent operations. The wildcard entry can be updated reliably without suspending exact match entry searches, resolving the contradiction between update reliability and processing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes time stamping mechanisms and validity judgment logic in advance to determine whether an exact match entry is valid before processing. This preliminary action allows the system to handle updates and searches concurrently without needing to suspend operations, thereby maintaining both reliability and time efficiency.
3Productivity
If exact match entry is used during wildcard update, then processing speed is improved, but entry validity becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces time stamping and validity judgment logic as preliminary actions before using an exact match entry. The system determines in advance whether the entry is valid by comparing timestamps, ensuring reliable usage while maintaining high processing speed through direct exact match access during wildcard updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through validity judgment logic that checks whether an exact match entry is valid before processing. This feedback ensures that only valid entries are used, maintaining reliability while preserving the speed advantage of exact match entries during wildcard updates.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses data processing methods. Example methods include obtaining information about a header field of a data packet and searching an exact match flow table for an exact match entry that matches the data packet. When the matching exact match is found, a determination is made as to whether an update time of a wildcard entry corresponding to the exact match entry is before a creation time of the exact match entry. In response to determining that the update time is before the creation time of the exact match entry, the data packet is processed according to an action instruction corresponding to the exact match entry. In response to determining that the update time of the wildcard entry corresponding to the exact match entry is not before the creation time of the exact match entry, the exact match entry is deleted.