SDN Switch Channel Agent Module for Packet Latency Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software defined networks (SDNs) experience undesirable latency due to the need for protocol packets to be sent to and processed by the SDN controller, especially for performance-sensitive protocols like IGMP and ERPS, resulting in extra latency typically around 10 ms.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a channel agent module on the SDN switch that receives packets intended for the controller, adds necessary address information, encapsulates them, and sends them to the controller, while also receiving and processing packets from the controller, deleting control and address information to forward them to the appropriate ports or flow tables, thereby reducing latency by offloading CPU-dependent packet forwarding tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If protocol packets are sent to the SDN controller for processing, then centralized control is achieved, but packet forwarding latency increases by approximately 10 ms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function by introducing a channel agent module that handles protocol packet processing locally on the SDN switch, separating this task from the main CPU and the SDN controller. This segmentation allows protocol packets to be processed locally without being sent to the controller, reducing latency while maintaining centralized control for other functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel agent module acts as an intermediary between the CPU and the SDN controller for protocol packet processing. It receives protocol packets from the CPU, processes them according to configured rules, and sends responses back, eliminating the need for these packets to travel to the controller and reducing forwarding latency.
2Productivity
If the CPU handles protocol packet processing, then packet forwarding is performed, but the CPU is overloaded causing increased latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol packet processing function from the CPU by introducing a dedicated channel agent module. This module is specifically responsible for handling protocol packets, freeing the CPU from this task and allowing it to focus on other critical functions, thereby reducing processing latency and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel agent module provides self-service capability for protocol packet processing on the SDN switch itself. It can independently process protocol packets using configured rules without requiring CPU intervention or controller involvement, enabling fast local processing and reducing latency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an SDN, a method for forwarding a packet by an SDN, and an apparatus. The SDN includes an SDN controller and an SDN switch, the SDN switch includes a processor and a data path, and the SDN switch further includes: a first transceiver, configured to: receive a first packet, determine that the first packet is to be sent to the SDN controller, and forward the first packet to a channel agent module; and the channel agent module, configured to: add address information of the SDN controller to the first packet, encapsulate the first packet into a second packet, and send the second packet to the controller. The first transceiver is further configured to receive a third packet sent by the SDN controller, and forward the third packet to the channel agent module.