Programmable Packet Forwarding with Dynamic Comparator Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional packet forwarding methods in communication networks lack flexibility and resource efficiency due to the use of fixed logical forwarding and static conditional comparators, which become inadequate as forwarding services increase in complexity and number.
Innovation Solution
Implement a packet forwarding method using a programmable forwarding chip with dynamic conditional comparators, allowing for flexible handling of various forwarding services by dynamically editing comparators and reusing them without increasing their number, utilizing an OpenFlow serial flow table and Software Defined Network (SDN) controller to manage forwarding rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static conditional comparators are used in traditional packet forwarding methods, then the forwarding logic is simple and easy to implement, but the flexibility and adaptability to new service types are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static conditional comparators into dynamic conditional comparators. The comparators can be dynamically edited and reconfigured based on different forwarding services, allowing the same hardware resource to adapt to various service types without requiring separate static comparator sets for each service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by enabling a single set of comparators to serve multiple functions across different forwarding services. Through dynamic reconfiguration, the comparators can be reused for various service types, making the forwarding chip more versatile and reducing the need for dedicated comparator resources for each service.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of comparators is increased to handle more forwarding services, then the flexibility and service handling capability improve, but the resource consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single set of comparators to handle multiple forwarding services through dynamic reconfiguration. Each comparator can be dynamically assigned to different services based on configuration, allowing one comparator set to perform the work of multiple dedicated comparator sets, thereby reducing total resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the comparators dynamically based on the required forwarding service. By modifying comparator configuration parameters (such as comparison values and logic) rather than adding more hardware components, the system achieves enhanced service handling capability without increasing the physical number of comparators.
3Productivity
If dynamic conditional comparators are used, then the flexibility and resource efficiency improve, but the configuration and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the SDN controller receives information about packet characteristics and forwarding requirements, then dynamically configures the comparators accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to automatically adjust comparator settings based on actual network conditions, reducing manual configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary between the packet processing units and the comparator configuration. The controller manages the dynamic reconfiguration process, abstracting the complexity from the data plane. This intermediary handles the configurational complexity centrally, allowing the forwarding chip to focus on efficient packet processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and discloses a packet forwarding method and device, and a computer readable storage medium. The packet forwarding method includes: determining a forwarding type of a packet, and acquiring configuration information corresponding to the forwarding type, the configuration information including a comparison type and an offset address of at least one set of comparators; configuring the at least one set of comparators according to the comparison type; acquiring a comparison data source of the at least one set of comparators according to the offset address; and determining a forwarding rule of the packet according to the comparison type of the at least one set of comparators as configured and the comparison data source of the at least one set of comparators as configured.