Kernel Mode Packet Broadcasting for Low Latency Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current broadcasting methods in networks experience high latency due to system interruptions between kernel and user modes, especially in resource-constrained environments, which can affect real-time information dissemination and scalability.

Innovation Solution

A method where the physical computing system operates entirely in kernel mode for receiving, duplicating, and sending information packets, eliminating the need for mode switches and reducing latency by utilizing the kernel zone for all processing steps, including the implementation of duplication and routing through the Netfilter framework's nftables or iptables modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the physical computing system operates in user mode for packet duplication and routing, then complex operations can be performed, but system interruptions increase latency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplex operation capabilityVSAvoidlatency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the kernel mode and user mode operations by implementing packet reception, duplication, routing, and sending entirely within kernel mode. This eliminates the need for system interruptions between modes, resolving the contradiction by combining the speed advantage of kernel mode with the operational capabilities needed for packet processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the conventional approach where complex operations are performed in user mode, the patent inverts the approach by implementing these operations directly in kernel mode. This inversion allows complex packet processing functions to execute without mode-switching overhead, simultaneously achieving both operational complexity and low latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the physical computing system switches between kernel and user modes, then different operating zones can be utilized, but system interruptions increase processing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating zone flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functionality of multiple operating zones into a single kernel mode operation. By implementing reception, duplication, routing, and sending within kernel mode, the system maintains operational versatility while eliminating time-consuming mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous packet processing by keeping all operations within kernel mode, eliminating interruptions. This continuous operation maintains adaptability for different packet handling requirements while preventing time loss from mode switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a routing server is used for centralized broadcast, then packet redistribution to multiple recipients is enabled, but latency varies among recipients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-recipient broadcast capabilityVSAvoidlatency variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary packet duplication in kernel mode before routing to multiple recipients. By creating all necessary packet copies upfront within the same operating mode, the system enables multi-recipient broadcast while minimizing latency variation through consistent processing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the duplication and routing operations into a unified kernel mode process. This combination ensures that all recipients receive packets under identical operational conditions, reducing latency variation while maintaining the ability to broadcast to multiple recipients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If system interruptions are used for mode switching, then zone transitions are enabled, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone transition capabilityVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the mode switching overhead from the packet processing operation by implementing all functions within kernel mode. This removes the resource-consuming system interruptions while preserving the necessary operational capabilities through direct kernel space execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges all packet processing operations into kernel mode, eliminating the need for separate user mode transitions. This consolidation reduces resource consumption by avoiding repeated mode switching while maintaining full operational capability through kernel space primitives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11895022B2Method for broadcasting information packets to a plurality of recipients in a network

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 BULL SA

AI summary

A method of broadcasting an information packet in a network including a sender of the packet and a plurality of recipients connected by a network equipment of a routing server, the routing server including a physical computing system and a software system, and the physical computing system operating alternatively between a kernel mode and a user mode. The software system controls the implementation of a step of receiving the packet, and, for each recipient, a step of duplicating the packet. The software system also controls the implementation of a step of routing the packet thanks to an IP address of the recipient, and a step of sending the packet to the recipient, wherein each step is executed by the physical computing system in kernel mode.