Multiprocessor Network Packet Aggregation and Header Duplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network communication technologies face inefficiencies when transferring large data packets, as they require division into smaller packets to comply with maximum transmission unit (MTU) limits, leading to increased processing overhead and reduced communication speed, especially since many devices do not support jumbo packets, which further complicates administration and limits the effectiveness of jumbo packet techniques to local area networks.
Innovation Solution
A network processing apparatus and multiprocessor system that includes a send buffer, payload dividing unit, header duplicating unit, and packet generating unit to divide and reassemble packets, allowing for efficient transfer of data exceeding MTU by duplicating headers and concatenating payloads, thereby reducing processing load and improving communication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is divided into small packets to comply with MTU limits, then packet transmission becomes possible, but processing overhead increases and communication speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function into two parts: division into small packets for transmission compliance (maintaining reliability) and concatenation back to large packets for efficient protocol processing (improving productivity). This is achieved through the receiver's packet concatenation function that reassembles multiple small packets into a large packet for single protocol stack processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary packet concatenation buffer and processing mechanism between the network interface and the protocol stack. This intermediary layer receives multiple small packets, concatenates them, and presents them as a single large packet to the protocol stack, thereby reducing processing overhead while maintaining MTU compliance
2Productivity
If jumbo packet function is activated to transfer large data, then throughput improves, but device compatibility becomes problematic and administration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal packet handling mechanism that works regardless of whether individual devices support jumbo packets or not. The sender divides large packets into small ones for MTU-compliant transmission, while the receiver concatenates them back, enabling jumbo packet functionality to work over standard MTU networks without requiring all devices to support jumbo packets
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring devices to support large packet transmission directly (jumbo packets), the patent inverts the approach by having devices transmit small packets that are then concatenated at the receiver end. This inversion allows large packet functionality to work over standard networks without requiring device-level jumbo packet support
3Reliability
If protocol processing is performed on each small packet, then MTU compliance is maintained, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small packet processing operations into a single protocol processing operation by concatenating the packets at the receiver end. Instead of running the protocol stack multiple times on individual small packets, the system concatenates them into one large packet and runs the protocol stack once, significantly reducing processing load while maintaining MTU compliance during transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A network processing apparatus is provided. A send buffer receives from a protocol stack a long packet with a data length exceeding a maximum transmission unit defined for a network and stores the long packet. A payload dividing unit divides the payload of the long packet into a plurality of divided payloads. A header duplicating unit duplicates the header of the long packet so as to generate a duplicated header for the respective divided payload. A short packet generating unit attaches the duplicated header to the respective divided payload so as to generate a short packet with a data length equal to or less than the maximum transmission unit to be sent to the network. A sending unit sends the short packet to the network via a physical interface.