Network Device Elephant Flow Forwarding Policy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network devices cannot effectively meet the transmission latency requirements of service packets, particularly for elephant flows, leading to suboptimal quality of service due to inadequate identification of latency sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A packet forwarding method and apparatus that determine characteristic parameters such as packet time interval and rate fluctuation coefficient for elephant flows to create forwarding policies that match the latency sensitivity, thereby optimizing transmission latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional forwarding policies are used for elephant flows, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission latency cannot meet service requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing characteristic parameters (packet time interval and rate fluctuation coefficient) for elephant flows before forwarding. The network device monitors these parameters in advance, determines latency sensitivity beforehand, and stores the results for quick retrieval during packet forwarding, avoiding real-time calculation delays while meeting transmission latency requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the network device to automatically monitor, calculate, and determine characteristic parameters of elephant flows without external intervention. The device autonomously identifies packet time intervals, computes rate fluctuation coefficients, determines latency sensitivity, and applies appropriate forwarding policies, reducing the need for manual configuration and external control
2Loss of time
If characteristic parameters are monitored for each packet flow, then transmission latency is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating simplified representations of flow characteristics through characteristic parameters (packet time interval and rate fluctuation coefficient). Instead of measuring and analyzing complete packet flow data, the device extracts and monitors these representative parameters that capture essential latency sensitivity information, reducing measurement complexity while maintaining sufficient precision for forwarding decisions
3Loss of time
If forwarding policies are optimized for latency sensitivity, then transmission latency is shortened, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting forwarding policies based on monitored characteristic parameters. The network device changes packet time interval thresholds and rate fluctuation coefficient values according to actual flow conditions, enabling adaptive optimization of transmission latency while maintaining manageable device complexity through parameter-based control rather than complex policy logic
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a packet forwarding method, to shorten a transmission latency of an elephant flow. In the method, for a first packet flow used as an elephant flow, a network device may receive a plurality of packets of the first packet flow, and determine a characteristic parameter of the first packet flow based on the plurality of packets, where the characteristic parameter of the first packet flow is used to indicate a transmission latency of the first packet flow. After determining the characteristic parameter of the first packet flow, the network device determines a forwarding policy of the first packet flow based on the characteristic parameter of the first packet flow. The forwarding policy of the first packet flow is used to indicate latency sensitivity of the first packet flow.