Virtual Network Stack Instances for Multi-Protocol Packet Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network systems lack the ability to efficiently manage and process packets from multiple virtual network stack instances within a single host, leading to inefficient routing and processing due to shared Network and Transport layers, which restricts the use of different routing protocols and protocols for each packet destination.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple virtual network stack (VNS) instances in a single host, where each packet destination or non-global container is associated with a separate VNS Instance, allowing each to have its own set of VNS Instance parameters, enabling the use of different routing protocols and protocols for each packet destination, such as RIP and OSPF, and TCP and UDP, within the same host.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single host uses shared Network and Transport layers for multiple packet destinations, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and protocol flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network stack by creating multiple virtual network stack instances, each with its own Network and Transport layers. This allows each instance to be independently configured with different routing protocols (RIP, OSPF) and transport protocols (TCP, UDP) for different packet destinations, thereby resolving the contradiction between reduced complexity and improved adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization dimension to the network stack architecture. By adding the layer of virtual network stack instances that can be mapped to different packet destinations or containers, the system achieves multiple protocol configurations without increasing physical device complexity, as all instances share the underlying hardware resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual network stack instances are implemented with separate Network and Transport layers, then adaptability and protocol flexibility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing virtual network stack instances that can be dynamically allocated and configured for different packet destinations. The same underlying hardware resources (network interface cards, processing units) serve multiple virtual instances, allowing the system to achieve multiple protocol configurations without proportionally increasing physical device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of the network stack functionality through virtual network stack instances. These instances are software-based representations that replicate the essential networking functions, allowing multiple destinations to have dedicated protocol stacks without requiring separate physical hardware for each instance.
3Productivity
If packets are processed through a shared Network Layer, then processing efficiency is maintained, but routing precision and destination-specific protocol application deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual network interface cards (VNICs) as intermediaries between the physical network interface and the virtual network stack instances. The VNICs act as mediators that direct packets to the appropriate virtual stack instance based on destination identification, enabling both efficient processing through dedicated instances and accurate routing to the correct destination-specific protocol stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by associating specific virtual network stack instances with specific packet destinations or containers. Each destination receives packets processed by a Network Layer instance optimized for its specific requirements, ensuring routing accuracy and protocol precision for each local destination while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing packets that includes receiving a first packet for a first target by a network interface card (NIC), classifying the first packet, sending the first packet to a first receive ring in the NIC based on the classification of the first packet, sending the first packet to a Network Layer from the first receive ring, sending a first virtual network stack (VNS) Instance ID associated with the first receive ring to the Network Layer, obtaining a first VNS Instance parameter using the first VNS Instance ID, and processing the first packet in the Network Layer using the first VNS Instance parameter to obtain a first network processed packet.