Multicast Packet Processing Apparatus with Duplicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multicast packet processing in routers is complex and inefficient, leading to network resource wastage and performance issues due to repeated data transmission and additional processing requirements, especially when handling quality of service (QoS) and tunneling.
Innovation Solution
A multicast packet processing apparatus and method that includes a packet receiver, a forwarding unit with both unicast and multicast forwarders, a packet duplicator, and a scheduler, which converts multicast packets into unicast packets and reintroduces them into the forwarding unit, enabling efficient packet duplication and forwarding while maintaining order and supporting QoS and tunneling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multicast packet processing is implemented in the network processor with shared packet descriptors, then multicast transmission capability is achieved, but processing complexity increases and forwarding performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates multicast packet processing into distinct stages: the network processor handles packet reception and initial forwarding decision, while the host processor handles packet duplication and re-injection. This segmentation allows each processor to focus on specific tasks, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining multicast capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a packet duplication mechanism as an intermediary component between the forwarding unit and output interfaces. This intermediary handles the complex task of creating multiple copies of multicast packets and re-injecting them into the forwarding pipeline, isolating this complexity from the main forwarding path in the network processor.
2Productivity
If packet duplication is performed for multicast transmission, then multiple receivers can receive data simultaneously, but network resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs packet duplication in advance at the host processor before packets are re-injected into the forwarding unit. By preparing multiple copies beforehand, the system enables simultaneous delivery to multiple receivers without requiring repeated transmission of the same data through the network, thus improving transmission efficiency while avoiding resource wastage.
3Reliability
If additional processing is added for QoS and tunneling, then service quality is improved, but forwarding performance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments QoS and tunneling processing from the main forwarding path. These additional processing functions are implemented as optional stages that packets can pass through based on their requirements, rather than being mandatory for all packets. This allows packets requiring QoS or tunneling to receive enhanced service while packets that don't require these functions can be forwarded quickly without additional processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A multicast packet forwarding apparatus and method that can combine an internal processor of a multicast packet processor into a forwarding unit and a packet duplicator in order to minimize delay in the processing time of a forwarder and a packet transmitter. In the apparatus, a packet receiver is adapted to receive unicast and multicast packets. A forwarding unit has a unicast forwarder for forwarding a unicast packet to a destination when the packet receiver receives the unicast packet, and a multicast forwarder for multicasting a multicast packet to respective output interfaces when the packet receiver receives the multicast packet. A packet duplicator is adapted to convert the multicast packet output from the multicast forwarder into a several unicast packets. A packet dispatcher is adapted to reintroduce the unicast packets converted by the packet duplicator to the forwarding unit again. A scheduler serves to port-schedule packets output via the forwarding unit and duplicated packets according to a scheduling policy.