LRO Ring Allocation via Priority-Based Stream Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices inefficiently utilize LRO rings due to a first-in-first-out allocation method that does not consider the properties of data streams, leading to suboptimal processing overhead reduction and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A method that allocates LRO rings based on priority values determined by characteristics such as throughput, IP addresses, and TCP ports, where data streams with higher priority values are allocated available rings, and if none are available, existing lower-priority streams are reassigned to free up resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LRO rings are allocated to data streams in a first-in-first-out fashion, then the allocation process is simple, but the LRO rings are not utilized efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the allocation parameter from simple FIFO ordering to priority-based selection, where data streams are assigned priority values based on their characteristics (such as throughput requirements, packet sizes, or stream importance). This allows the system to dynamically select which data stream receives LRO ring allocation, improving overall utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through structured priority assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic allocation where LRO ring assignment is not static but adapts based on current data stream characteristics and system state. The priority values and allocation decisions can change over time based on traffic patterns and stream properties, allowing the system to optimize LRO ring usage dynamically rather than following a rigid FIFO sequence
2Ease of operation
If LRO rings are allocated without considering data stream properties, then the allocation method is straightforward, but the processing overhead reduction is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the allocation approach by introducing priority parameters that reflect data stream properties such as throughput characteristics, packet size distributions, and stream importance. This allows the system to allocate LRO rings to streams that will benefit most from aggregation, thereby optimizing processing overhead reduction while maintaining operational clarity through structured priority-based decision-making
3Productivity
If more LRO rings are allocated to high-priority data streams, then the throughput of those streams is improved, but the complexity of priority determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a systematic priority determination framework that assigns priority values to data streams based on measurable characteristics such as throughput requirements, packet size patterns, and stream importance weights. This structured approach to priority assignment provides a clear methodology for allocating LRO rings to high-priority streams, improving their throughput while managing complexity through defined assessment criteria and algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
An allocation method, utilized in a network device comprising an large receive offload (LRO) engine having LRO rings, includes receiving packets which belong to data streams; recording information of the data streams according to the packets; determining priority values corresponding to the data streams according to the information of the data streams; determining a first data stream within the data streams corresponding to a first priority value which is greater than a predefined value; and when there is an available LRO ring within the LRO rings, allocating the available LRO ring to the first data stream; wherein when an LRO ring is allocated to a data stream, a plurality of incoming packets of the data stream are stored in the LRO ring, and the incoming packets stored in the LRO ring are aggregated into large packets by the LRO engine.