Packet Processing Logical Datapath Sets Edge Non-Edge Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems face challenges in scalability, mobility, and multi-tenancy, particularly in large networks like datacenters, where existing solutions often compromise one aspect to address another, and no existing products have satisfactorily met all these requirements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves distributing packet processing across managed non-edge switching elements using a hash function to determine the appropriate non-edge switching element for further processing, based on packet headers such as MAC addresses, allowing for efficient handling of unknown or specialized packets like multicasts and broadcasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet processing is centralized at edge switching elements, then forwarding decisions can be made locally, but the edge switching elements cannot handle unknown or specialized packets like multicasts and broadcasts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-edge switching elements as intermediaries between edge switching elements and the network controller. When an edge switching element encounters a packet it cannot process (unknown unicast, multicast, or broadcast), it forwards the packet to a non-edge switching element, which then determines the appropriate forwarding action. This intermediary approach allows edge elements to maintain simple, reliable forwarding logic while gaining access to enhanced packet processing capabilities through the non-edge elements.
2Productivity
If network control is distributed across multiple switching elements, then network scalability improves, but coordination and packet routing between elements becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into edge switching elements and non-edge switching elements with distinct functional responsibilities. Edge elements handle known unicast forwarding and generate controller packets for unknown packets, while non-edge elements handle unknown unicast, multicast, and broadcast forwarding. This segmentation allows each element type to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall network scalability while reducing the complexity individual elements must manage.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-edge switching elements serve as intermediaries that coordinate packet routing between edge elements and the network controller. They receive controller packets from edge elements, determine the appropriate forwarding actions based on packet type and network state, and send responses back to the controller. This intermediary coordination layer simplifies the overall system by providing a standardized interface between edge elements and the controller, reducing the complexity of direct peer-to-peer coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If edge switching elements process all packet types, then comprehensive packet handling is achieved, but the complexity of the edge switching elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides packet processing responsibilities between edge and non-edge switching elements. Edge elements are responsible for known unicast packet forwarding and generating controller packets, while non-edge elements handle unknown unicast, multicast, and broadcast packets. This segmentation allows edge elements to remain simple and efficient for their primary function, while non-edge elements provide specialized handling for less common packet types, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a method that processes network data through a network. The method receives a packet destined for a network host associated with a logical datapath set implemented by a set of managed edge switching elements and a set of managed non-edge switching elements in the network. The method determines whether the packet is a known packet. When the packet is a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed edge switching elements for forwarding to the network host. When the packet is not a known packet, the method forwards the packet to a managed switching element in the set of managed non-edge switching elements for further processing.