Hierarchical Packet Policer for Line Rate Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet policing solutions in telecommunications networks 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 policing operations in software, enabling efficient packet policing at line rate while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet policing is implemented entirely in software to provide flexibility in configuration, then adaptability to varying configurations and changing requirements is improved, but performance cannot keep up with increasing data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet policing system into two distinct parts: a hardware-based packet processor core that handles high-speed packet processing, and a separate software-based hierarchical policer that provides flexible configuration. This segmentation allows each component to specialize - the hardware handles speed-critical operations while the software handles configuration flexibility, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the hierarchical policer module with its configuration interface - that bridges the hardware packet processor and the software configuration layer. This intermediary allows flexible software configuration to control hardware operations without the software directly processing packets, thus maintaining both flexibility and high performance.
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 and changing requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability in the hierarchical policer, where policing parameters, meter states, and configuration options can be modified at runtime through software. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining hardware-speed performance, directly resolving the contradiction between fixed hardwired logic and flexible adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hierarchical policer is designed as a universal configuration interface that can handle multiple policing algorithms, meter types, and configuration scenarios through a single hardware module. This multi-functionality allows the hardware to perform various policing operations without requiring separate hardwired logic for each configuration, thus maintaining both speed and flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple policing operations are performed on a single packet with varying configurations, then adaptability to different network requirements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where multiple levels of policing operations are organized in a tree-like hierarchy. The hierarchical policer contains multiple meters and policing operations nested within it, allowing complex multi-level policing to be managed through a unified configuration interface. This nesting reduces the apparent complexity by providing a structured, layered approach to managing multiple policing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to packet policing, organizing multiple policing operations across different levels (e.g., aggregate level, individual flow level, application level). This dimensional organization allows complex multi-operation policing to be managed systematically through the hierarchical structure, reducing complexity by providing clear separation of concerns and organized configuration management.
Data Source
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.