Multicast Address Mapping for Virtual Network Substrate Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet forwarding systems in virtual networks face inefficiencies in multicast communication due to the need for pre-setting IP multicast addresses and the inefficient utilization of substrate network resources, as multicast communications often use the same IP multicast address across different virtual networks, leading to unnecessary usage of network lines.
Innovation Solution
A packet forwarding apparatus that includes a multicast determination unit, a multicast mapping information storage unit, and a multicast mapping unit to dynamically allocate and manage second multicast addresses associated with first multicast addresses, allowing for efficient encapsulation and decapsulation of multicast packets across virtual networks, thereby optimizing substrate network utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the same IP multicast address is used across different virtual networks, then multicast communication can be established, but substrate network resources are inefficiently utilized due to unnecessary usage of network lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the substrate network into multiple virtual networks using virtual switching elements, allowing multicast traffic to be isolated and directed only to relevant virtual networks. This segmentation enables efficient resource utilization by preventing unnecessary multicast traffic propagation across the entire substrate network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multicast address management entity that acts as an intermediary to dynamically allocate and manage multicast addresses. This intermediary coordinates address allocation across virtual networks, ensuring that multicast traffic is efficiently routed only to necessary destinations rather than flooding the entire substrate network.
2Reliability
If IP multicast addresses are pre-set for multicast communication, then multicast can be established, but the labor required for setting up multicast communications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where virtual switching elements and the multicast address management entity automatically perform address allocation and multicast group management without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously handles address assignment, group formation, and traffic routing, significantly reducing setup labor while maintaining reliable multicast communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the multicast address management entity and virtual switching elements with the necessary control logic and address pools. This preliminary setup enables automatic, on-demand address allocation when multicast traffic is detected, eliminating the need for manual pre-configuration of each multicast group while ensuring reliable communication establishment.
3Ease of operation
If multicast communications are directed to all virtual networks, then multicast packet delivery is simplified, but line utilization efficiency decreases due to unnecessary traffic on network lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic multicast address allocation and traffic routing where the multicast address management entity continuously monitors virtual network membership and traffic patterns. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively adjust multicast group compositions and routing paths in real-time, ensuring that multicast traffic is delivered only to active members while maintaining simple packet forwarding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different virtual networks to have customized multicast address allocations and routing policies tailored to their specific requirements. Each virtual network can optimize its multicast traffic handling independently, improving line utilization efficiency while maintaining the simplicity of packet delivery through localized control policies.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet forwarding apparatus includes: a multicast determination unit that determines whether a packet that flows through a virtual network is a multicast communication packet; a multicast mapping information storage unit; a multicast mapping unit that allocates a second multicast address to a first multicast address of a newly generated multicast communication and manages these multicast addresses as a piece of mapping information; and a packet encapsulation unit that encapsulates the packet that flows through the virtual network. The packet encapsulation unit encapsulates the multicast communication packet that flows through the virtual network by using the second multicast address.