Network State Synchronization Between Kernel and ASIC Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face inefficiencies in processing and forwarding network frames, particularly when interactions between programmed ASIC switch devices and operating systems require complex networking tasks, and there is a need for synchronizing networking data between these components.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a synchronizing application that compares and updates forwarding information databases and network configuration state tables between the operating system kernel and the attached ASIC switch device, ensuring data consistency and enabling efficient frame processing and forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If networking tasks are processed entirely by the operating system kernel, then networking functionality and control are maintained, but processing efficiency and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments networking tasks into two categories: simple frame forwarding handled by the ASIC switch device and complex networking tasks handled by the operating system kernel. This segmentation allows efficient processing of common operations while maintaining kernel control for sophisticated networking requirements, resolving the contradiction between processing efficiency and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network interface as an intermediary layer between the ASIC switch device and the operating system kernel. This intermediary manages communication and coordination between the two components, enabling efficient frame forwarding while maintaining proper control flow and reducing the complexity of direct integration.
2Speed
If ASIC switch device operates independently, then processing speed increases, but data consistency with the operating system kernel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the operating system kernel notifies the ASIC switch device of networking task changes. This feedback loop ensures that the ASIC switch device receives updates about routing changes, policy modifications, and other networking parameters, maintaining data consistency while allowing independent high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the operating system kernel prepare and communicate networking task information to the ASIC switch device before actual frame forwarding begins. This ensures the ASIC switch device has the necessary information cached and ready, maintaining consistency without impacting real-time processing speed.
3Productivity
If all networking tasks are handled by the operating system, then control and management are simplified, but processing throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments networking operations into high-volume simple frame forwarding handled by the ASIC switch device and low-volume complex networking tasks handled by the operating system kernel. This segmentation increases overall network throughput while the operating system maintains simplified management of sophisticated networking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ASIC switch device performs self-service for simple frame forwarding operations, independently processing frames according to cached networking information without requiring operating system intervention for each frame. This self-service capability dramatically increases throughput while the operating system continues to manage complex networking tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for synchronizing network configuration state tables between an operating system kernel and an attached ASIC switch device are disclosed. An instruction to update a target network configuration state table in either an operating system kernel or an attached ASIC switch device is received. Data from the target network configuration state table and data from a corresponding network configuration state table are retrieved. Values of data in the two tables are compared and an instruction is sent to update the target network configuration state table with one or more values from the corresponding network configuration state table.