Network Device IP Address Cache Management via Threshold Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices face insufficient cache space due to the limitations of ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) in storing correspondence between link-layer addresses and IP addresses, especially with the increasing number of terminal devices and the use of IPv6, leading to data packet loss.
Innovation Solution
A method where a network device determines the validity of IP addresses based on link-layer addresses, selects an appropriate IP address when the threshold is reached, and notifies the terminal device, thereby managing IP address storage efficiently and reducing data packet loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If TCAM is used to store correspondence between link-layer address and IP address, then storage capacity is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage of IP address correspondences by introducing a threshold mechanism. Instead of storing all IP addresses uniformly, the system divides them into groups based on the threshold value, only storing correspondences where the IP address frequency exceeds the threshold. This segmentation reduces the overall storage requirements and power consumption while maintaining essential functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of storage selection by introducing a dynamic threshold parameter. The threshold is adjusted based on network conditions and requirements, allowing the system to adaptively control what IP address correspondences are stored. This parameter change enables flexible trade-off between storage capacity utilization and power consumption.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If threshold mechanism is introduced to limit IP address storage, then power consumption is reduced, but IP address selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the threshold value before actual IP address selection occurs. The threshold is determined in advance based on network characteristics and requirements, so that during runtime, the selection process only needs to compare IP address frequencies against this pre-set threshold rather than performing complex optimization calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by maintaining a simplified threshold-based selection mechanism that replicates the essential functionality of complex TCAM operations. Instead of implementing full TCAM logic, the system copies only the necessary threshold comparison and selection functions, reducing computational complexity while achieving similar power-saving effects.
3Quantity of substance
If aging mechanism is used to delete inactive correspondences, then cache space is freed, but storage insufficiency problem cannot be effectively relieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the storage threshold adaptive rather than static. The threshold value changes dynamically based on network conditions, IP address usage patterns, and available cache space. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to effectively utilize cache space by adapting to changing network requirements, unlike the static aging mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring IP address usage frequencies and adjusting the threshold accordingly. The system receives feedback about actual network traffic patterns and cache utilization, then adjusts the threshold to optimize both cache space usage and power consumption. This closed-loop feedback mechanism makes the system more effective than the open-loop aging mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for communication between a network device and a terminal device, where the network device stores a correspondence between a link-layer address and an IP address that are of the terminal device, and the method includes: obtaining, by the network device, a first link-layer address; determining whether a quantity of IP addresses corresponding to the first link-layer address reaches a threshold; if the quantity reaches the threshold, selecting an IP address from the IP addresses, where a quantity of selected IP addresses is not greater than the maximum quantity; saving a correspondence between the first link-layer address and the selected IP address; and sending, according to the selected IP address, a message to a terminal device having the first link-layer address, where the message is used to notify the terminal device whether an IP address is selected by the network device.