Forwarding Plane Hardware Replication for Control Packets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network elements face inefficiencies in replicating control packets, particularly for multibind interfaces, as software replication ties up communication channels and unnecessarily uses processing power, especially in scenarios like IGMP control processes where multiple IPC messages are required, leading to computational intensity and processor bandwidth issues.

Innovation Solution

A method where the forwarding plane of a network element detects a replication indicator in control packets and uses metadata to determine the list of subscriber end stations, replicating and distributing control packets efficiently, potentially leveraging hardware assistance to bypass software replication and reduce processing load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If software replication is used to replicate control packets in the data plane, then control packets can be distributed to multiple subscriber end stations, but communication channels are blocked and processing power is unnecessarily consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol packet distribution efficiencyVSAvoidprocessor bandwidth usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based replication mechanisms with hardware-based replication in the forwarding plane. The forwarding plane is enhanced with replication capability that operates in hardware, substituting the software replication process that was consuming processor bandwidth and blocking communication channels. This mechanical substitution directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining packet distribution functionality while eliminating the energy loss associated with software processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a replication indicator as an intermediary mechanism. This indicator, embedded in control packets or associated metadata, mediates between the control plane and data plane by signaling which packets require replication. The intermediary enables the forwarding plane to identify and replicate only the necessary control packets without requiring software intervention, thus improving productivity while reducing processor bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If software replication is used for control packets, then packets can be replicated, but communication channels between control plane and data plane are blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol packet replication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication channel blocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based replication that blocks communication channels with hardware-based replication in the forwarding plane. By implementing replication capability directly in the data plane hardware, the system maintains adaptability for controlling packet distribution to multiple subscriber end stations while eliminating the device complexity issue of channel blocking. The hardware replication operates independently without requiring communication channel bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple IPC messages are required for control packet distribution, then control packets can reach multiple hosts, but computational intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol packet distribution capabilityVSAvoidcomputational intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control packet distribution function into two parts: the control plane generates control packets with replication indicators, and the forwarding plane handles the actual replication and distribution. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the capability to distribute control packets to multiple hosts while reducing computational intensity in the control plane. The forwarding plane's hardware replication performs the computationally intensive distribution task without requiring multiple IPC messages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes hardware-based replication in the forwarding plane for software-based replication that required multiple IPC messages. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces computational intensity while preserving the ability to distribute control packets to multiple subscriber end stations. The hardware replication operates in parallel without the sequential overhead of multiple software messages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8804723B2Efficient control packet replication in data plane

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method for replicating a control packet in a forwarding plane of a network element, the control packet being destined for a plurality of subscriber end stations. The forwarding plane receives the control packet from a control plane and detects a replication indicator associated with the control packet. The forwarding plane determines the plurality of subscriber end stations as each of the plurality of subscriber end stations is associated with the control packet. The forwarding plane then replicates the control packet for each of the plurality of subscriber end stations and distributes the replicated control packets to the plurality of subscriber end stations.