Packet Forwarding With Dynamic Comparators for Multiple Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable forwarding chips face limitations in flexibility and resource utilization due to the fixed nature of traditional forwarding methods, leading to increased complexity and uncertainty in forwarding delays as service types expand.
Innovation Solution
A packet forwarding method and device that dynamically configures comparators based on forwarding types, allowing for flexible handling of various services without increasing the number of comparators, by determining forwarding types, configuring comparators, and acquiring comparison data sources to establish forwarding rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed forwarding methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic comparator configuration where comparators are reconfigured based on packet forwarding types. The system transitions from static fixed forwarding to dynamic programmable forwarding, allowing the same hardware resources to adapt to different service requirements without physical changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal forwarding chip architecture where a limited number of comparators can handle multiple forwarding types (VLAN forwarding, MAC address forwarding, IP routing, etc.) by dynamically reconfiguring their comparison fields and data sources, eliminating the need for dedicated comparators for each service type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If service types expand, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and forwarding delay uncertainty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of comparators dynamically - modifying comparison fields, offset addresses, and data sources based on the required forwarding type. This allows the same comparator hardware to serve different services by changing configuration parameters rather than adding hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple comparator sets with different comparison fields and offset addresses, then selects and activates the appropriate pre-configured set based on the packet type. This preliminary configuration approach enables rapid adaptation without real-time complex calculations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more comparators are added to handle more services, then adaptability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent demonstrates that a small number of comparators (e.g., 4 comparators) can handle multiple forwarding services by dynamically reconfiguring their comparison fields and data sources, eliminating the need for dedicated comparators for each service type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns different comparison fields and offset addresses to the same comparator resources based on the packet forwarding type, allowing temporal multiplexing of comparator functions across different services.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a packet forwarding method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. The packet forwarding method comprises: determining a forwarding type of a packet, and acquiring configuration information corresponding to the forwarding type, wherein the configuration information comprises a comparison type and an offset address of at least one comparator; configuring the at least one comparator according to the comparison type; acquiring a comparison data source of the at least one comparator according to the offset address; and determining a forwarding rule for the packet according to the comparison type of the at least one configured comparator and the comparison data source of the at least one configured comparator.