Multicast Rule Transformation Using Intersection-Based Flow Compilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices struggle to efficiently convert unicast service flow rules into multicast service flow rules, leading to inefficiencies in data delivery to multiple user equipment.
Innovation Solution
A multicast rule transformation apparatus and method that utilizes a rule decoder to remove duplications, a rule compiler to separate overlapping entries using an intersection algorithm, and a rule optimizer to delete invalid entries, transforming unicast rules into optimized multicast rules using P4 language.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unicast service flow rules are directly used for multicast transmission, then data can be delivered to multiple users, but rule duplication and redundancy occur leading to inefficient data delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes duplicate rule entries from the service flow rules. The rule decoder identifies and eliminates redundant OR operations within fields, and the rule optimizer removes invalid rule entries, keeping only the essential unique rules needed for multicast transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the service flow rule processing into distinct stages: rule decoding to separate rule entries, rule compilation to handle overlapping parts, and rule optimization to remove invalid entries. This segmentation allows systematic elimination of duplications at each stage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service flow rules are converted to multicast format, then simultaneous transmission to multiple UEs is enabled, but complex rule transformation processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The rule transformation process is divided into three modular components: rule decoder for initial rule entry separation, rule compiler for handling overlaps using intersection algorithms, and rule optimizer for final validation. This segmentation makes the complex transformation manageable and systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate rule formats (P4a-Rule, P4i-Rule, P4o-Rule) as mediators between the original unicast rules and the final multicast rules. Each intermediate format represents a specific stage in the transformation, facilitating systematic conversion while maintaining rule integrity.
3Measurement precision
If overlapping rule entries are separated using intersection algorithms, then precise multicast routing is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rule decoder performs preliminary separation of rule entries before the rule compiler processes overlaps. By pre-processing and organizing rules into distinct entries with identified overlapping parts, the system reduces the computational burden during the intersection algorithm execution, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining precision.
4Productivity
If invalid rule entries are removed through optimization, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization process is segmented into a distinct final stage performed by the rule optimizer, separate from rule decoding and compilation. This dedicated optimization stage systematically identifies and removes invalid rule entries (empty set intersections, equal sets) without interfering with the earlier rule separation and compilation processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a multicast rule transformation apparatus and a method thereof. The multicast rule transformation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention performs an intersection transformation to convert a service flow rule for unicast transmission into a service flow rule for multicast transmission.