Packet Switching Memory Overflow via Dynamic Flow Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network switches and routers face inefficiencies due to limited memory in OpenFlow switches, which restricts the number of flow table entries and hinders flexible network management.
Innovation Solution
A packet transmission system with multiple switching modules and a control module that dynamically redirects packets to modules with sufficient memory, allowing for the addition of flow entries and processing actions to manage memory overflow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If more flow table entries are added to increase switch efficiency, then network transmission efficiency is improved, but memory capacity is exceeded causing overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow table storage function across multiple packet switching modules. When one module's memory is full, flow entries are segmented and stored in other modules with available memory space. This segmentation allows the system to collectively store more flow entries than any single module could hold alone, resolving the contradiction between needing more entries for efficiency and having limited memory capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of storage capacity by utilizing multiple packet switching modules instead of relying on a single module's memory. By distributing flow entries across multiple modules in parallel, the system effectively expands the total available memory space without increasing the memory capacity of individual modules, thus allowing more flow entries to be stored while maintaining individual module memory limits.
2Reliability
If flow table entries are distributed across multiple modules, then memory overflow is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control module as an intermediary that manages flow entry distribution across multiple packet switching modules. The control module monitors memory status of each module and intelligently directs new flow entries to modules with sufficient memory capacity. This intermediary simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complexity of memory management, allowing individual switching modules to remain simple while collectively achieving overflow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control module continuously monitors the memory usage status of each packet switching module and uses this information to make real-time decisions about where to place new flow entries. This feedback loop ensures that flow entries are always directed to modules with available capacity, automatically preventing overflow without requiring complex manual configuration or prediction of memory needs.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple packet switching modules are used to store flow entries, then storage capacity is increased, but packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module acts as an intermediary that simplifies packet processing across multiple switching modules. When a packet arrives, the control module receives the packet, determines which module should handle it based on flow table location, and routes it accordingly. This centralized coordination reduces the processing complexity at each individual module while enabling the system to utilize multiple modules for increased storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple packet switching modules into a single control module. This consolidation allows the system to manage multiple storage locations (flow tables across multiple modules) while maintaining a unified control point that simplifies decision-making and packet routing, thereby increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A packet transmission system is provided that includes packet switching modules each having a memory unit to store packet flow tables and a control module coupled to the packet switching modules. The control module includes a memory to store computer executable commands and a processor. The process executes the commands to perform the operations outlined below. A flow entry corresponding to a target packet switching module is generated. A residual memory amount of the memory unit of the target packet switching module is determined to be lower than a threshold value. A redirection packet switching module is selected from the other packet switching modules. A redirection flow entry is added to the packet flow tables in the target packet switching module and a processing flow entry is added to the packet flow tables in the redirection packet switching module according to the flow entry.