PFC Storm Detection for Continuous Data Flow Under Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing PFC mechanism in Ethernet networks leads to service disruptions due to PFC storms, where a node suspends data flows excessively, failing to meet the service requirements of data flows during congestion.
Innovation Solution
A method for PFC storm detection and processing involves a network node detecting PFC frames and data packet thresholds to determine congestion, suspending PFC frames, and adjusting data flow priorities to prevent further storms, thereby maintaining continuous data flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PFC mechanism continuously sends PFC frames to suspend data flows during congestion, then the congestion at the forwarding node is relieved, but the source node suspends data flows excessively causing service requirement failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by detecting the quantity of PFC frames sent and the quantity of data packets received over N consecutive time segments. When the PFC frame quantity exceeds a first threshold and data packet quantity falls below a second threshold, the system identifies a PFC storm and adjusts the PFC frame sending strategy accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the PFC frame sending behavior based on real-time detection of network conditions. The system transitions from continuously sending PFC frames to selectively suspending PFC frame transmission when storm conditions are detected, making the congestion control mechanism adaptive rather than static
2Reliability
If the source node receives a large quantity of PFC frames, then the forwarding node congestion is resolved, but the source node suspends data flows and fails to meet service requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection by monitoring PFC frame quantities and data packet quantities over N consecutive time segments before fully suspending PFC frame transmission. This early detection mechanism allows the system to identify impending PFC storms and take preventive action, reducing unnecessary data flow suspensions
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to priority flow control (PFC) storm detection and processing methods. In one example method, a first network node performs PFC detection on a first port queue of a first port, and determines that a first preset condition is met. The first preset condition includes: detection is performed in N consecutive first time segments, when the detection is performed in each first time segment, a quantity of first PFC frames sent by the first port queue to a second network node is greater than a first threshold, and a quantity of one or more data packets received by the first port queue from the second network node is less than a second threshold. The first PFC frame is used to indicate the second network node to suspend sending all data flows in the first port queue, and N is a positive integer.