Merged FIB Key Entry for Network Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network virtualization, multiple co-existing routing instances on a single device compete for resources, limiting transfer speed due to separate forwarding information bases (FIBs) that require sequential lookup, which can be inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to create a merged FIB by inserting a routing instance identifier (RII) into key entries of multiple FIBs, forming a single merged FIB that allows efficient lookup and forwarding of data packets by creating a search key with the RII inserted into the destination address, utilizing an encoding scheme to optimize the lookup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate FIBs are maintained for different routing instances, then each routing instance can be managed independently, but the transfer speed is limited due to sequential lookup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate FIBs into a single unified FIB structure that can accommodate multiple routing instances. By combining the FIBs and implementing parallel lookup mechanisms, the system achieves both independent routing instance management and improved transfer speed through simultaneous processing of multiple routing tables.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate FIBs are maintained for different routing instances, then routing flexibility is improved, but memory efficiency deteriorates due to duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple FIBs into a single unified structure that eliminates redundant storage while maintaining routing flexibility. By sharing common structures and implementing efficient memory management, the system reduces memory consumption while preserving the ability to manage multiple routing instances independently.
3Ease of manufacture
If sequential lookup is used for multiple FIBs, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to multiple lookup operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-organizing the unified FIB structure to enable efficient parallel lookup operations. The system prepares the data structure in advance with appropriate indexing and organization, allowing multiple routing lookups to be performed simultaneously without complex real-time processing, thus improving productivity while maintaining implementation feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The method of creating a key entry includes inserting a routing instance identifier (RII) after at least a portion of a key entry of a routing instance (RI) FIB, in accordance with an encoding scheme. In other words, at least a portion of bits of the RI FIB key entry is located before bit(s) of the RII in the resulting, merged FIB key entry. Depending on the encoding scheme, the RII can be inserted at the end of the RI FIB key entry, or at an intermediary location within the RI FIB key entry (after a given number of bits). To form the merged FIB, the method is repeated multiple times on corresponding key entries of the RI FIB. There is also provided a method of creating a search key to lookup the merged FIB.