Single IP Tunnel for Multi-Processor Network Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network elements with multiple processors face challenges in managing and scaling networking applications due to the complexity of managing multiple network layers and addresses, which complicates configuration and monitoring, and existing solutions like load balancing do not efficiently coordinate Gi and Gn packet delivery across a single IP address.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a network processor to distribute packets to selected traffic processors based on tunnel endpoint identifiers and destination addresses, providing a single IP tunnel across multiple processors, thereby reducing the number of addresses and DNS entries, and enabling efficient load balancing and coordination of packet delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple processors are introduced to increase computing power and performance, then processing capacity and scalability are improved, but management complexity and the number of network addresses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple processor identities into a single network address (IP tunnel endpoint). Instead of each processor having its own network address, the system presents a unified IP address to the network, combining the network layer identity of multiple processors into one. This reduces management complexity while maintaining the processing capacity of multiple processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tunnel endpoint as an intermediary layer between the network and multiple processors. The tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID) acts as a mediator that maps network traffic to appropriate processors without exposing the underlying multi-processor complexity. This intermediary abstraction layer simplifies network management while enabling multi-processor operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If load balancers are used to distribute load across multiple systems, then scalability is improved, but each system requires independent management and network layer addressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal network address (IP tunnel endpoint) that serves multiple processors simultaneously. This single address provides multi-functionality by routing traffic to different processors based on traffic characteristics, eliminating the need for separate addresses for each processor while maintaining scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network address space by introducing a new addressing layer (tunnel endpoint identifier) that separates the external network view from the internal processor structure. This segmentation allows independent processor management while presenting a unified address to the network.
3Power
If symmetric multiprocessing processors are used to execute more instructions per second, then computing power is improved, but the system becomes bottlenecked by single network IO interface or cache-contention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network processing function by dedicating specific traffic processors to handle specific types of traffic or protocol processing. This segmentation allows multiple processors to work in parallel without cache-contention, as each processor has its own cache and processing space, while eliminating the single network IO bottleneck through multiple network interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to network processing by introducing the tunnel endpoint identifier as an additional routing dimension. This allows traffic to be distributed across multiple processors based on TEID in addition to traditional IP addressing, effectively utilizing multiple network IO interfaces and preventing bottlenecks.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a packet at a network processor, and determining the packet is to be directed to a selected one of a plurality of traffic processors if a tunnel endpoint identifier of the packet is associated with a subscriber terminal. The method further includes determining that the packet is to be directed to the selected one of the plurality of traffic processors if a destination address of the packet is associated with the subscriber terminal. The method still further includes distributing the packet to the selected one of the plurality of traffic processors.