OpenFlow Switch Buffer Overflow Prevention via Threshold Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
OpenFlow switches experience buffer overflow when receiving packets not defined in the flow table, leading to increased transmission time and reduced efficiency due to the need to discard packets and retransmit them after notifying the source.
Innovation Solution
A packet processing apparatus that monitors buffer utilization rates, storing packets in a buffer only if the rate is below a threshold, and transmitting them to another apparatus if the rate exceeds the threshold, thereby avoiding buffer overflow by forwarding undefined packets without inquiring the processing method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the OpenFlow switch stores packets in the buffer to process them later, then the packet processing accuracy is improved, but the buffer utilization rate increases which may lead to buffer overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking the buffer utilization rate before storing packets. The control unit determines whether to store packets based on the current buffer state, preventing buffer overflow before it occurs. This is evident in the flowchart where step S102 checks buffer utilization before proceeding with packet storage in step S103.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the packet storage decision adaptive to the current buffer utilization rate. The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time buffer conditions, switching between storing packets and forwarding them to another apparatus depending on whether the threshold is exceeded.
2Reliability
If the OpenFlow switch inquires the processing method from the OpenFlow controller for undefined packets, then the packet processing reliability is improved, but the transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively inquiring about processing methods only when necessary. Instead of always inquiring the OpenFlow controller for every undefined packet, the system checks buffer utilization first and only forwards packets when the buffer is nearly full, thus reducing unnecessary communication overhead and transmission time while maintaining reliability when needed.
3Reliability
If the OpenFlow switch forwards packets to another apparatus when buffer threshold is exceeded, then the buffer overflow is prevented, but the packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the buffer utilization threshold and the conditional forwarding logic. The control unit is configured in advance to monitor buffer utilization and automatically forward packets to another apparatus when the threshold is exceeded, without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms.
4Reliability
If the OpenFlow switch monitors and manages buffer utilization rate, then the buffer overflow is prevented, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the buffer utilization rate and using this information to control packet storage decisions. The control unit receives feedback about buffer state and adjusts its behavior accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents buffer overflow while maintaining simple control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet processing apparatus receiving a packet includes a memory storing a flow information, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to, when a processing method for the received packet is defined in the flow information, store the packet into a buffer in the packet processing apparatus and process the packet stored in the buffer using the processing method, when the processing method is not defined in the flow information and a utilization rate of the buffer exceeds a threshold value, transmit the packet to another packet processing apparatus, and when the processing method is not defined in the flow information and the utilization rate of the buffer does not exceed the threshold value, store the packet into the buffer and issue an inquiry about the processing method.