Virtual Switch Caching Flow Operation Results
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing environments, virtual switches face inefficiencies due to latency and resource usage when processing multiple packets that require traversal through multiple flow operations, especially when handling packets with similar traits, which can lead to unnecessary resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in virtual switches to identify and cache result actions for packets with specific traits, allowing subsequent packets with similar traits to bypass unnecessary flow operations and use the cached result actions, thereby reducing latency and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packets traverse multiple flow operations to ensure proper processing, then packet handling accuracy is improved, but processing latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs flow operations in advance and caches the results before actual packet processing occurs. When a packet arrives, the system checks if the flow operation results are already cached, allowing packets with matching traits to bypass the actual flow operations and receive processed results immediately, thus reducing latency while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively executes flow operations on sample packets or during idle periods, stores the results in a cache, and reuses these pre-computed results for subsequent packets with similar traits, eliminating the need to repeat the same flow operations and reducing processing time
2Reliability
If packets traverse multiple flow operations to ensure proper processing, then packet handling accuracy is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates and stores copies of flow operation results in a cache memory structure. When subsequent packets with matching traits are processed, the system retrieves and uses these cached copies instead of re-executing the flow operations, significantly reducing CPU cycles and computational resources consumed while maintaining the same processing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a self-service mechanism where the cache automatically stores and retrieves flow operation results based on packet traits. This eliminates the need for repeated execution of identical flow operations, reducing host computing system resource usage including CPU cycles, memory access, and energy consumption
3Reliability
If flow operations are executed for each packet individually, then processing thoroughness is improved, but processing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cache mechanism that serves multiple packets with similar traits through a single flow operation execution. The cached results are universally applicable to all packets matching the same criteria, allowing the system to maintain thorough processing while dramatically improving efficiency by avoiding redundant operations across multiple packets
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates cached copies of flow operation results that can be reused across multiple packet processing instances. This copying mechanism allows the system to maintain thorough processing standards while improving productivity by serving multiple packets from pre-computed results rather than re-executing operations for each packet individually
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and software to enhance flow operations on a host computing system. In one implementation, a virtual switch on a host identifies a packet from a virtual node. In response to identifying the packet, the virtual switch determines whether the packet corresponds to a cached result action based on traits of the packet. If the packet corresponds to a cached result action, then the virtual switch may process the packet in accordance with the cached result action. In contrast, if the packet does not correspond to a cached result action, then the virtual switch may process the packet in accordance with first flow operations to determine a result action, and cache the result action for use with future packets.