Hierarchical Packet Policer Hardware-Software Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet policing solutions face challenges in maintaining performance with increasing data rates, as pure software solutions are inflexible and hardware-based solutions lack adaptability to varying configurations and changing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A runtime configurable hierarchical policer system that processes packets through multiple levels of meters in hardware, allowing for flexible configuration of meter interactions and combinations via software requests, enabling efficient packet policing at line rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet policing is implemented in pure software to provide flexibility in configuration, then adaptability to varying configurations is improved, but performance cannot keep up with increasing data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the packet policing system into two distinct segments: a hardware-based packet processor core that handles high-speed packet processing, and a separate software-based configuration management system that handles policing rule definitions and updates. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its strength - hardware for speed and software for flexibility - thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.
2Productivity
If specific packet policing configurations are implemented in hardwired logic to achieve high speed, then performance at increasing data rates is improved, but flexibility to adapt to varied configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration mechanism where the hardware packet processor core can have its policing rules and parameters updated in real-time through software requests. The configuration data is stored in accessible memory structures that allow runtime modification without requiring hardware reconfiguration or reprogramming, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to changing requirements while maintaining high-speed operation.
3Reliability
If multiple policing operations are performed on a single packet with complex configurations, then service quality and traffic management precision are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical nested structure for multiple policing operations, where token bucket meters are nested within hierarchical policer structures. Each meter operates at a different level of the hierarchy with specific rate parameters, and the nested arrangement allows packets to be evaluated against multiple policing rules in a structured sequence. This nesting organizes the complexity into manageable layers, improving QoS enforcement accuracy while keeping the processing logic systematic and tractable.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention a method for policing a packet at line rate. A hierarchical policer receives a policer request comprising packet characteristics and identifying request configuration information. The hierarchical policer retrieves meter states specified by the request configuration information. The hierarchical policer processes packet characteristics through meters to generate a meter result. The hierarchical policer generates a hierarchical policer table lookup address using a plurality of meter types, a plurality of input color controls, one or more of the packet characteristics, the meter results, and a plurality of coupling algorithm identifiers. The hierarchical policer reads a hierarchical meter result from a hierarchical policer result table, containing at least a final output packet attribute that classifies the packet. The hierarchical policer updates one or more of the meter states based on the plurality of meter state results. The hierarchical policer returns the final packet output to a policing requestor.