Linux Container Network Node Simulation with Dynamic Thread Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network simulation methods face challenges in large-scale simulations due to high CPU overhead from independent processing threads and inefficient data transmission, leading to memory resource occupation and reduced throughput.

Innovation Solution

A network node simulation method using Linux containers with dynamic thread allocation, shared memory data units, and lock-free concurrent security queues to optimize packet transmission and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If independent processing threads are created for each network link, then packet transmission and processing can be performed, but memory resources are occupied and CPU processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket transmission and processing capabilityVSAvoidmemory resource occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple processing threads are merged into a single shared processing thread that handles packets from multiple network links. The thread shares a common packet queue and processing logic, eliminating the need for separate threads per link. This merging approach maintains packet transmission capability while significantly reducing memory consumption and CPU overhead associated with managing numerous independent threads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single processing thread is designed to be universal, capable of handling packets from any network link through a unified interface. It implements multi-functional processing logic that can adapt to different link types and packet formats, replacing the need for specialized threads for each link while maintaining processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If data is transmitted using traditional TCP/IP protocol, then network communication is achieved, but data copying occurs which reduces transmission rate and network throughput

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork communication capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a zero-copy mechanism where packet data is transmitted through shared memory without creating duplicate copies. Instead of traditional TCP/IP copying where data is replicated between kernel and user space, the system uses memory-mapped files and shared buffers that allow direct access to packet data across process boundaries, eliminating redundant copying operations and improving transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

A shared memory intermediary structure is introduced between the network interface and processing applications. This intermediary uses memory-mapped files as a mediator that allows multiple processes to access packet data simultaneously without copying, acting as a bridge that maintains data integrity while enabling efficient zero-copy transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a fixed thread is created for each network link, then link transmission process can be simulated, but in large-scale high-concurrency scenario, too many threads occupy大量 physical resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink transmission simulation accuracyVSAvoidphysical resource occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed threads to dynamic event-driven processing. A single processing thread dynamically responds to network events and adjusts its behavior based on current traffic conditions. This dynamic approach maintains accurate link transmission simulation through event sequencing while adapting resource usage to actual concurrency needs, avoiding the waste of maintaining fixed threads for low-traffic links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The processing system implements self-service through event-driven automation where the single thread automatically manages packet processing based on incoming events. The system self-regulates its processing pace and resource usage according to actual network conditions without requiring dedicated threads for each link, reducing physical resource occupation while maintaining simulation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12432157B2Network node simulation method based on Linux container
Publication Date: 2025.09.30 XIDIAN UNIV
  • US12432157B2 patent drawing
  • US12432157B2 patent drawing
  • US12432157B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A large-scale network node simulation method based on Linux container is provided, which solves problems of low packet transmission efficiency and multi-thread creation in real-time simulation in a large-scale network scenario. The method includes: scheduling all container nodes in a scenario; managing, by a container node, a dynamic thread through an idle thread management queue, and setting a finite state machine and a function pointer for the dynamic thread; registering, by a source container node, an output queue with a next-hop container node, and informing the next-hop container node to allocate a dynamic thread for receiving and processing the output queue. Packet transmission is realized between the container nodes through data units created in a shared memory. The sending thread and the receiving thread dynamically adjust the number of dynamic threads by checking the state of the output queue.