Flow Entry Quota Management in OpenFlow Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
In centralized control networks using OpenFlow switches, the finite storage capacity for flow entries leads to biased distribution, where frequently used communication paths may deplete space, causing Turnaround Time (TAT) imbalances and potential storage shortages for less frequent communications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a communication node with an entry management system that monitors and controls the proportion of flow entries per user, using algorithms like LRU to remove entries when the usage ratio exceeds a preset threshold, ensuring equitable storage allocation based on user contributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If flow entries are removed using LRU or FIFO rules when storage capacity is reached, then storage space is freed for new entries, but the distribution of flow entries becomes biased towards frequently used communication paths, causing Turnaround Time imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter for selecting flow entries to be removed from LRU/FIFO (time-based) to a user-based proportional allocation mechanism. Each user is assigned a quota of flow entry storage based on their contribution or agreement, and the system monitors and enforces these quotas when removing entries, thereby preventing bias towards frequent users and ensuring equitable Turnaround Time distribution.
2Productivity
If flow entries for frequent communications are prioritized in storage, then processing efficiency for high-frequency users is improved, but storage space for less frequent communications is depleted, causing service degradation for those users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allocating different storage quotas to different users based on their specific needs, contributions, or service level agreements. Instead of uniform treatment, each user receives a tailored portion of the flow entry storage capacity, ensuring that high-frequency users get adequate space while low-frequency users also retain necessary storage rights, thus maintaining overall service quality balance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of flow entries per user is unlimited, then user-specific communication needs are fully satisfied, but the finite storage capacity of the communication node is exhausted, preventing new flow entries from being stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total flow entry storage capacity into distinct user-specific portions or quotas. Each user is assigned a specific number of flow entries they can store, creating segmented allocation zones within the unified storage structure. This segmentation prevents any single user from monopolizing the entire storage capacity while still allowing each user sufficient space for their communication needs.
Data Source
AI summary
The communication node includes an entry memory adapted to store a preset number of the control information entries, each stipulating the processing applied to a packet received, in association with the user information, and a packet processor that references the entry memory to process the packet received. The communication node also includes an entry management section that exercises control so that, on the basis of a preset reference, the proportion of the number of the control information entries for one user stored in the entry memory to the number of the control information entries storable in the entry memory will not surpass a preset value.