Programmable Packet Processing Modules for Dynamic Network Service Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication network systems face high investment costs and maintenance challenges due to the need for dedicated hardware for each service, leading to inefficient use of resources and potential data packet loss during service changes.

Innovation Solution

A network system with programmable packet processing modules and a management server that dynamically allocates and configures packet processing functions, allowing for flexible adaptation to changing communication services without requiring hardware changes, thereby optimizing investment and reducing maintenance costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If exclusive networks are built for each communication service, then network quality and reliability are improved, but investment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork qualityVSAvoidinvestment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple communication services into a single shared network infrastructure. Different services (Ethernet, PBB, IP/MPLS) coexist on common hardware platforms, allowing resource sharing while maintaining service isolation through virtualization and software configuration rather than physical separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universal communication devices that can perform multiple service functions through programmable packet processing modules. Line cards can be dynamically reconfigured to handle different service types, making the hardware platform multi-functional and adaptable to various communication protocols and service requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If line cards are added for new communication services, then service functionality is improved, but investment risk increases due to over-provisioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice functionalityVSAvoidinvestment risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic packet processing modules that can be programmatically reconfigured to match actual service demands. The system monitors traffic patterns and service requirements, dynamically allocating processing resources to prevent both over-provisioning and under-provisioning, allowing the same hardware to adapt to changing service needs without additional investment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of existing line cards through software configuration rather than physical modification. By adjusting packet processing parameters, protocol handling capabilities, and resource allocation settings, the system can accommodate new services on existing hardware, eliminating the need to purchase new line cards for each service addition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If existing line cards are used, then investment cost is reduced, but packet processing performance may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinvestment costVSAvoidpacket processing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary assessment of existing line card capabilities before deploying new services. The system evaluates current performance margins, identifies underutilized resources, and pre-configures packet processing modules to optimize existing hardware for anticipated service demands, ensuring adequate performance without requiring immediate hardware upgrades

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical hardware upgrades with software-based performance enhancement. Instead of mechanically adding new line cards to improve performance, the system uses virtualization, packet processing optimization algorithms, and intelligent resource scheduling to extract maximum performance from existing hardware, substituting software intelligence for physical expansion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If packet processing modules are increased, then packet processing performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket processing performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments packet processing functionality into modular, independently manageable units. Each packet processing module handles specific protocol families or service types, allowing the system to scale performance by activating only the necessary segments rather than increasing overall device complexity. This modular approach enables selective deployment of processing capabilities based on actual service requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9992136B2Network system and management server

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 HITACHI LTD

AI summary

A communication device includes a plurality of packet processing modules in which a packet processing function is changeable with a program, and a management server holds program information of a plurality of different packet processing module circuits settable to the packet processing modules, selects the packet processing module circuit to be set to the packet processing module, of the plurality of different packet processing module circuits, and transmits the program information of the selected packet processing module circuit and information for identifying the packet processing module that is an object to be set, to the communication device that is an object to be set.