Network Device State Export Pause and Resume Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices face challenges in efficiently exporting state information without impacting their own functionality, as this process consumes compute resources and can lead to buffer overflow or prolonged processor usage, affecting other critical operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to pause and resume state export based on buffer thresholds and time thresholds, allowing the network device to manage resource usage by pausing the state hierarchy walk when necessary and resuming it when conditions are met, ensuring efficient resource allocation and preventing buffer overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If state export is continuously performed to satisfy external requests for state information, then external entities can receive complete state information, but compute resources are consumed and other functionality of the network device is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by pausing and resuming state export operations based on buffer thresholds and time thresholds. The state hierarchy walk is periodically suspended when buffer thresholds are approached or time thresholds are exceeded, and resumed when conditions permit, transforming continuous state export into a periodic operation that balances information completeness with device performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the state export process adjustable and responsive to changing conditions. The system dynamically pauses and resumes state export based on real-time buffer status and time elapsed, allowing the export operation to adapt its behavior to current device conditions rather than proceeding at a fixed rate
2Speed
If state export process is accelerated to quickly satisfy external requests, then state information is delivered faster, but buffer overflow risk increases and processor resources are depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring buffer thresholds and time thresholds during state export operations. When the buffer threshold is approached or time threshold is exceeded, the system receives feedback to pause the state hierarchy walk, and resumes when conditions improve, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents buffer overflow while managing export speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by establishing buffer thresholds in advance that provide a safety margin before buffer overflow occurs. The system proactively pauses state export when approaching these pre-set thresholds, preventing buffer overflow before it can happen rather than reacting after overflow occurs
3Productivity
If state hierarchy walk is paused to conserve resources, then compute resources are preserved for other functionality, but state export completion is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by pausing state export for specific durations when thresholds are exceeded, rather than stopping indefinitely or continuously. The state hierarchy walk is resumed when buffer and time conditions permit, performing the export operation in partial intervals that balance resource conservation with eventual completion, accepting some time loss to preserve overall device productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to techniques for state export for a network device. The method may include receiving a state export request; selecting a state hierarchy walk starting location based on the state export request; initiating a state hierarchy walk beginning at the state hierarchy walk starting location; making a first determination that a state export pause condition exists; pausing the state hierarchy walk in response to the first determination; making a second determination that a state export resume condition exists; and resuming the state hierarchy walk in response to the second determination.