Programmable Switch Packet Copying for Cloud Storage Network Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud service providers face network congestion and high CPU usage due to the distribution of multiple data copies across storage servers in Clos networks, which affects data availability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A switch determines if the destination IP address is reserved and creates multiple copies of data packets, distributing them to selected servers, with the ability to fall back to additional copies if initial servers fail, using programmable switches to manage IP addresses and reduce CPU load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple copies of data packets are created and distributed to different servers, then data availability and reliability are improved, but network load and CPU consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the packet copying function from the FrontEnd server and relocates it to the switch device. The switch receives a single original packet, creates multiple copies autonomously based on destination IP address matching, and distributes them to different servers. This extraction eliminates the need for the FrontEnd server to consume CPU cycles on copying operations while reducing network traffic by sending only one original packet instead of multiple copies from the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch acts as an intermediary between the FrontEnd server and storage servers. It receives the original packet from the server, performs the copying function, and distributes copies to multiple destinations. This intermediary role allows the switch to offload copying work from the FrontEnd server while maintaining the reliability benefit of multiple server copies.
2Reliability
If multiple copies of data packets are created and distributed to different servers, then data availability and reliability are improved, but CPU power consumption of FrontEnd server increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the packet copying function from the FrontEnd server and relocates it to the switch device. The switch receives a single original packet, creates multiple copies autonomously based on destination IP address matching, and distributes them to different servers. This extraction eliminates the need for the FrontEnd server to consume CPU cycles on copying operations while reducing network traffic by sending only one original packet instead of multiple copies from the server.
3Loss of energy
If packet copying is performed at the switch level with IP address matching, then network load and CPU consumption are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is configured with destination IP address matching rules that enable it to autonomously determine when and how to create packet copies. The switch monitors incoming packets, matches destination IP addresses against its configuration, and automatically creates and distributes copies without requiring external control or complex coordination with the FrontEnd server. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture despite the added switching capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods include receiving, by a switch, a packet; creating, by the switch, one or more copies of the packet; selecting, by the switch, a plurality of servers; and separately forwarding, by the switch, the packet and the one or more copies to the plurality of servers.