Virtual Port Packet Forwarding for Network Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network switches face inefficiencies in packet forwarding due to the need for CPU processing of packets between peripheral interfaces and network protocol software, leading to slowed system operation and increased complexity, especially when handling Layer 3 or higher functions.
Innovation Solution
Assigning a virtual port to each peripheral interface and extending the packet forwarding function of the internal forwarding unit to process packets directly, eliminating the need for CPU processing by using a forward table to determine target ports and enable hardware-based forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packets are processed by CPU executing network protocol software, then Layer 3 or higher functions can be performed, but system operation speed decreases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet forwarding function by introducing a virtual port that separates Layer 2 forwarding (handled by hardware) from Layer 3 processing (handled by CPU software). Packets destined for peripheral interfaces are redirected through the virtual port, allowing hardware acceleration for common cases while preserving software processing for complex cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual port acts as an intermediary between the hardware forwarding unit and the CPU software processing. It receives packets from the hardware forwarding unit and redirects them to the appropriate software processing path, enabling efficient routing without requiring all packets to go through CPU processing.
2Ease of operation
If CPU processes all packets including those to peripheral interfaces, then network protocol software can handle all cases, but forwarding speed slows down due to software processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding path into direct hardware forwarding for physical ports and virtual port-mediated forwarding for peripheral interfaces. This segmentation allows most packets to use fast hardware forwarding while only specific packets requiring peripheral interface processing go through the virtual port path.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual port provides a universal interface that can handle both Layer 2 and Layer 3 packets destined for peripheral interfaces. It unifies the processing approach for different packet types while maintaining high speed through hardware assistance where possible.
3Productivity
If virtual port is assigned to peripheral interface, then direct packet forwarding is enabled, but forwarding unit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual port is essentially a software copy or abstraction of a physical port interface. It replicates the port identification and forwarding table lookup functionality without requiring additional physical hardware components, thus adding minimal complexity while enabling direct forwarding.
Data Source
AI summary
The packet forwarding device and method of the invention assign a virtual port number to each peripheral interface. The device and method can recognize and process the packets coming from or transferred to the virtual port according to the packet direct forward function of the forward device. Thus, the device and method can process the packets that are inputted to or outputted from the peripheral interface and the network device connected to the peripheral interface in a manner similar to the typical method for processing the packets that are only inputted to or outputted from the physical port.