Software-Configurable Multi-Level Flow Table Match Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-level flow table search methods lack flexibility due to fixed match fields, requiring hardware modifications whenever changes are needed, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use software-configurable flow-table match-field configuration information to identify and modify match fields, allowing for flexible matching and action execution across multiple flow tables without modifying hardware logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed match fields are used in each flow table, then hardware logic remains stable, but flexibility of configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the match field configuration changeable through software rather than fixed in hardware. The flow table match fields can be dynamically configured and modified without requiring hardware changes, allowing the system to adapt to different matching requirements while maintaining stable hardware logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of match field configuration from fixed to variable. By allowing match fields to be configured and modified through software parameters rather than hardwired connections, the system achieves flexibility in configuration while keeping the hardware structure stable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware logic is modified to change match fields, then flexibility is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware system for configuring match fields with a software-based system. Instead of physically modifying hardware logic to change match fields, the invention uses software configuration, eliminating the need for hardware modifications and reducing associated costs and complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a software representation or copy of the match field configuration that can be modified independently of the hardware. This allows configuration changes to be made in the software layer without affecting or requiring changes to the underlying hardware logic.
3Ease of operation
If multiple flow tables are cascaded with fixed match fields, then search structure is simplified, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling dynamic configuration of match fields in cascaded flow tables through software. Each flow table can have its match fields configured and modified independently without changing the overall cascaded structure, maintaining simple search operations while providing configuration flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-level flow table search method and apparatus, to improve flexibility of configuration of a flow table match field. The method includes: extracting matching information of a data packet when the data packet is received; selecting a keyword from the matching information of the data packet according to flow-table match-field configuration information; searching for a match field of each-level flow table in a multi-level flow table starting from a first-level flow table in the multi-level flow table by using the keyword as a search keyword, and matching the search keyword with the match field; and if matching of a match field of a current-level flow table is completed, executing a corresponding instruction, and if the current-level flow table is not a last-level flow table or there is an instruction for executing an action, executing a corresponding action. In the method provided in the embodiments of the present invention, because flow-table match-field configuration information can be configured by using software, a fixed match field becomes a changeable match field. Therefore, flexibility of a flow table match field is improved, and costs incurred by modifying hardware logic when a match field is changed are reduced.