Virtual Service Modules for Packet Processing Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional network systems face inefficiencies due to fixed functionality per network element, leading to increased processing time and resource consumption, which affects service availability, bandwidth, and quality of service.

Innovation Solution

A network system with multiple service modules arranged in arbitrary topology, where packet processing is governed by a virtual graph of Virtual-Service-Modules, optimizing packet processing by creating a combined action list for frequent packet flows, reducing decision-making capacity and resource consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fixed functionality per network element is used, then each network element can perform its designated function, but processing time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidpacket processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments packet processing into two distinct paths: fast-path processing for common packet flows and slow-path processing for exceptional cases. This segmentation allows most packets to bypass decision-making logic and be processed quickly, while only exceptional packets incur the overhead of full processing, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring service modules and their processing instructions in a virtual graph before packet arrival. The system pre-determines the processing path for each packet flow based on the virtual graph topology, eliminating the need for real-time decision-making during packet processing. This preliminary setup enables packets to follow predetermined paths, significantly reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional fixed functionality per network element is used, then network elements can process packets according to their function, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of serviceVSAvoidprocessing resources

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the decision-making logic from the packet processing path by implementing a separate control plane that pre-determines processing instructions in the virtual graph. The data plane only executes these pre-determined instructions without performing complex decisions, thereby reducing the computational resources required during actual packet processing while maintaining quality of service guarantees.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal virtual graph structure that can represent multiple network elements and their interconnections in a unified model. This virtual graph serves as a multi-functional framework that can handle different packet flows, service modules, and processing scenarios through a single standardized structure, reducing the need for multiple specialized processing paths and thereby conserving resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If combined action list is created for frequent packet flows, then processing performance is enhanced, but decision-making capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket processing throughputVSAvoiddecision-making capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the processing path adaptive based on packet flow characteristics. The system dynamically selects between fast-path and slow-path processing depending on whether a packet matches pre-configured flows in the virtual graph. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize throughput for common flows while retaining the ability to handle exceptional cases, balancing productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If service modules are arranged in arbitrary topology in virtual graph, then packet processing is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidvirtual graph configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the network topology in the form of a virtual graph that mirrors the arbitrary arrangement of service modules. This virtual representation allows the system to optimize packet processing paths without physically reconfiguring the network hardware. The virtual graph serves as an abstract model that simplifies the management of complex topologies by providing a standardized way to represent and process packets through multiple service modules in sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7804785B2Network system having an instructional sequence for performing packet processing and optimizing the packet processing

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 PULSELINK SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A method, apparatus, and system in which a network system has one or more individual networks. The topology of the first individual network includes two or more service modules. At least one of the service modules is modeled to represent a network element that performs one or more functions to process a packet in a network system. The two or more service modules may be arranged in the first individual network in an arbitrary topology. The packet processing by the two or more service modules is governed by the topology of the first individual network.