Generic Packet Header Modification for Network Switch Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network switches face performance issues due to linear processing of packet protocol layers, leading to latency and overprovisioning of resources, especially when dealing with evolving network protocols where header fields are not always at fixed offsets.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for modifying packet headers using generic modification instructions, where each protocol header is generalized to a generic format with all possible fields, allowing for flexible modifications using a set of generic commands independent of the incoming header size and protocol, and utilizing bit vectors to track valid and invalid fields for efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If linear processing of each protocol layer is used, then modifications can be made to packet headers, but network latency increases and processing resources must be overprovisioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket header modification capabilityVSAvoidnetwork latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protocol header processing by identifying and extracting only the specific fields that need modification, rather than processing the entire protocol layer linearly. This allows parallel processing of different header fields, reducing overall processing time and latency while maintaining modification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying which header fields require modification before the actual modification process. This allows the system to prepare modification instructions in advance and execute them efficiently, reducing processing time and eliminating the need for overprovisioned resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If protocol-specific processing is used for each header variation, then accurate modifications can be made, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodification accuracyVSAvoidswitch hardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal modification framework that can handle multiple protocol variations using the same set of generic modification instructions. The system identifies protocol-specific fields and applies appropriate modifications through a unified processing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate processing logic for each protocol variation and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining modification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2958286B1A method of using generic modification instructions to enable flexible modifications of packets and an apparatus thereof

Publication Date: 2019.05.01 CAVIUM LLC

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AI summary

Embodiments of the apparatus for modifying packet headers relate to programmable modifications of packets by applying commands to generalized protocol headers. Each protocol header of incoming packets is represented in a generic format specific to that protocol to enable modifications to packet headers. Missing fields from a protocol header are detected, and the protocol header is expanded to a maximum size such that the protocol header contains all possible fields of that protocol, including the missing fields. Each of the fields has the same offset irrespective of which variation of the protocol the protocol header corresponds to. Modification uses a set of commands that is applied to expanded protocol headers. All of the commands are thus generic as these commands are independent of incoming headers (e.g., size and protocol).