Switch Server Traffic Processing with FPGA and Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network equipment struggles to efficiently process large volumes of traffic due to limitations in offloading packet processing functions from CPUs to hardware, especially when additional functions are required.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a switch server with a programmable switch and FPGAs, which receives flow table information from an offloading server, identifies matching flow entries, and processes or forwards data packets accordingly, thereby offloading traffic processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packet processing functions are offloaded to hardware (NIC), then packet processing performance is improved, but it is almost impossible to offload all packet processing functions and additional functions cannot be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments packet processing into two parts: simple packet processing is offloaded to the NIC hardware, while complex packet processing remains on the CPU. This segmentation allows the system to utilize hardware acceleration for routine tasks while maintaining CPU capability for sophisticated processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A smart NIC is introduced as an intermediary device between the CPU and network. This smart NIC includes a processor that can execute instructions and perform additional functions beyond basic packet forwarding, thereby bridging the gap between hardware speed and software flexibility.
2Productivity
If more servers are deployed to handle increased traffic volume, then processing capacity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smart NIC is designed to perform multiple functions including packet processing, flow table management, and additional network functions. This multi-functionality allows a single server equipped with smart NICs to handle increased traffic volumes without requiring proportional increases in server count.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart NIC includes an integrated processor that can independently handle packet processing tasks without requiring constant CPU intervention. This self-service capability allows the NIC to autonomously manage packet processing, freeing up CPU resources and enabling single servers to handle higher traffic loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, in a communication system, carried out by a switch server comprising a programmable switch and one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) is provided. The method includes receiving information related to a flow table from an offloading server, receiving data packets, identifying a FPGA corresponding to the data packets, identifying whether the data packets match a flow entry of a flow table of the FPGA, in case that the data packets match the flow entry of the flow table, processing the data packets based on the flow entry and transmitting the processed data packet, and in case that the data packets do not match the entry of the flow table, providing the data packets to the offloading server.