UPF Plugin Virtual Network Layer Packet Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G network architecture experiences significant latency and resource occupation due to repeated packet transmission between the virtual network layer and the application layer, leading to delayed service operations and an inability to meet high-speed transmission demands.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a virtual network layer installed with a User Plane Function (UPF) plugin that performs rule matching on packet headers, offloads or re-packages packets, and communicates with other devices, utilizing a network virtualization platform and kernel bypass techniques to accelerate packet processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packets are transmitted between the virtual network layer and the application layer for processing, then routing policies can be applied and services can be provided, but packet processing latency increases and CPU computing resources are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UPF function into the virtual network layer, combining packet processing and routing policy application into a single layer operation. This eliminates the need for packets to be transmitted back and forth between the virtual network layer and application layer, thereby reducing latency while maintaining routing policy capabilities through the integrated match rules processing in the virtual network layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the UPF function into a separate plugin module that can be independently deployed and managed within the virtual network layer. This modular segmentation allows the UPF plugin to handle packet processing tasks efficiently without involving the application layer, reducing unnecessary transmissions and CPU overhead while maintaining adaptability through configurable match rules
2Adaptability or versatility
If packets are transmitted between the virtual network layer and the application layer, then services can be provided through APPs, but service operation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges service provision capabilities directly into the virtual network layer through the UPF plugin, which can execute match rules and routing policies without requiring packet transmission to the application layer. This integration maintains service provision adaptability while significantly improving service operation speed by eliminating inter-layer transmissions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the UPF is deployed at the application layer, then network functions can be virtualized and distributed, but packet processing requires multiple transmissions between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UPF function as a standalone plugin within the virtual network layer, maintaining network function virtualization benefits while simplifying the packet transmission process. This segmentation allows the UPF plugin to process packets independently without requiring complex multi-layer transmissions, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving virtualization adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device includes a processing unit, a memory unit, a NIC that is for receiving a packet, and a network virtualization platform accommodating a plurality of virtual network applications. The NIC, the processing unit and the memory unit are collectively defined as a hardware layer for the network virtualization platform to operate thereon. The network virtualization platform includes a virtual network layer having a UPF plugin installed therewith. The UPF plugin performs rule matching according to a packet header of the packet, and determines which one of the following steps is to be performed: offloading the packet to one of the virtual network applications in the application layer for the virtual network application to provide services; and re-packaging the packet and forwarding the packet to the another computing device.