Packet Header Action Array for Switch Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network communication systems require multiple tables and entries to manage packet routing, which can lead to increased load and complexity, especially when intricate route control and high-quality service are needed, potentially compromising the simplicity of node control functions.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where a header with an array of processing operations is appended to packets, allowing nodes to perform specified actions based on the array, reducing the need for multiple tables and entries by enabling nodes to identify and execute processing operations directly from the packet header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple tables and entries are arranged in each switch for flow control, then intricate route control and high-quality service can be achieved, but the load on switches and management complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing control information into two parts: a flow table in the controller containing matching rules and flow entries, and a forwarding table in the switch containing only action arrays. This segmentation allows the controller to handle complex routing logic while switches perform simple forwarding operations, resolving the contradiction between route control quality and switch complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an action array as an intermediary data structure that bridges the flow table in the controller and the forwarding table in the switch. The action array contains processed routing information that can be directly executed by switches without requiring them to maintain complex flow tables, thereby reducing switch load while maintaining routing control quality
2Reliability
If the number of flow table entries is increased to control intricate routes, then service quality can be assured, but the processing load on switches and controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing routing information in the controller to generate action arrays before forwarding packets to switches. The controller performs complex matching and decision-making in advance, converting flow table entries into simplified action arrays that switches can execute efficiently, thus maintaining service quality while improving processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex matching and decision-making functions from switches and concentrates them in the controller. Switches only need to execute pre-computed action arrays, removing the burden of maintaining and querying large flow tables, thereby improving overall system processing efficiency while maintaining service quality through centralized control
Data Source
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AI summary
A packet contains an array of processing operations that are to be performed by a node. Each node in a data forwarding network performs the processing it has to perform in accordance with the array of the processing operations contained in the packet (Fig.9b).