SMF-Driven ARP Generation for Switch MAC Table Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In local area networks, data transmission reliability is low due to switches not learning the correct MAC address table for terminal devices, leading to downlink data loss when the terminal device changes location or when the UPF network element changes, causing incorrect forwarding of data packets.
Innovation Solution
A data processing method and apparatus where a Session Management Function (SMF) network element obtains the MAC address and IP address of a terminal device from an external network element and sends these to a UPF network element to generate an ARP message, allowing the switch to learn the correct MAC address table and ensure accurate forwarding of downlink data packets even when the terminal device moves or changes UPF network elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the switch learns the MAC address table from uplink data packets only, then the switch can maintain a simple forwarding mechanism, but the switch cannot forward downlink data packets correctly when the terminal device changes location or UPF network element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the UPF network element proactively send ARP messages to the switch before actual data transmission occurs. This ensures the switch learns the MAC address table in advance, so when downlink data packets need to be forwarded, the correct forwarding path is already established, eliminating data loss due to location changes or UPF changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the UPF network element acts as a mediator between the terminal device and the switch. The UPF sends ARP messages through the switch, allowing the switch to learn MAC address mappings without directly interacting with the terminal device. This intermediary approach maintains simple switch operation while ensuring accurate MAC address table updates.
2Speed
If the switch uses the original learned MAC address table for forwarding, then the forwarding process is simple and fast, but the downlink data packets are lost when the terminal device moves to a new UPF network element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing a mechanism where the MAC address table is continuously updated through periodic or event-triggered ARP messages from the UPF network element. This continuous update process ensures the switch always has the latest MAC address mappings, maintaining both fast forwarding (through cached entries) and high reliability (through up-to-date information).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the UPF network element monitor terminal device location changes and send updated ARP messages to the switch accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the switch's MAC address table remains synchronized with the actual network state, allowing fast forwarding based on cached entries while maintaining reliability through real-time updates when changes occur.
3Reliability
If the ARP message is sent frequently to update the MAC address table, then the switch can maintain accurate forwarding information, but the network overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having the UPF network element send ARP messages to the switch at scheduled intervals or triggered by specific events (such as terminal device location changes). This periodic update mechanism ensures the MAC address table remains accurate without requiring continuous broadcasting, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing unnecessary network overhead and processing energy consumption compared to frequent updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing method includes obtaining, by a session management function (SMF) network element from an external network element, a media access control (MAC) address of a terminal device and an Internet Protocol (IP) address corresponding to the MAC address, and sending, by the SMF network element, the MAC address and the IP address to a first user plane function (UPF) network element, where the MAC address and the IP address are used to send an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) message, and the ARP message includes the MAC address and the IP address.