Open Flow Switch TCP Header iSCSI Name Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current open flow systems cannot perform flow control using iSCSI names due to limitations in recognizing the iSCSI layer, which restricts network adaptability and effective use of logical disks in Storage Area Networks (SANs) employing iSCSI protocol.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an open flow controller and switch that stores protocol information, such as iSCSI names, in the option area of the TCP header, allowing the open flow controller to set flow entries for forwarding packets above the TCP layer, enabling flow control based on iSCSI names and enhancing network adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the open flow switch treats only layers from layer 1 to TCP layer (layer 4), then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability is worsened because the iSCSI layer cannot be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds iSCSI protocol information (initiator name, target name) within the TCP header structure, specifically in the option field. This nested approach allows the open flow switch to access layer 7 information without requiring full layer 7 protocol processing capability, thus improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate representation of iSCSI information stored in the TCP header that acts as a mediator between the open flow switch and the actual iSCSI protocol. The switch doesn't need to understand iSCSI deeply; it只需 extracts and forwards packets containing specific iSCSI information patterns in the TCP header, achieving flow control based on iSCSI names without full iSCSI processing capability.
2Productivity
If the open flow switch does not treat iSCSI layer information, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is worsened because flow control cannot be carried out for each initiator or target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential iSCSI identification information (initiator name, target name) from the iSCSI protocol and places it in the TCP header. The open flow switch only needs to process this extracted information for flow control decisions, rather than processing the entire iSCSI protocol, thus achieving per-initiator/target flow control with limited device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol information above TCP layer is not included in TCP header, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability is worsened because flow control based on iSCSI names cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the TCP header option field serve multiple functions: it maintains its traditional TCP control functions while simultaneously carrying iSCSI protocol information. This multi-functionality allows the same data structure to support both standard TCP operations and iSCSI-specific flow control, improving adaptability without adding separate complex structures that would reduce ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In a computer system according to the present invention, a host sends a packet in which protocol information above a TCP layer and within a transport layer is included in an option area of a TCP header. An open flow controller set a flow entry wick defines a forwarding destination corresponding to the protocol information, in a switch. An open flow switch forwards the received packet toward a forwarding destination which corresponds to the protocol information included in the TCP header of the received packed. As a result, an adaptation of the computer system is increased.