Virtualized Network Device Architecture for Resource Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network switch and router architectures face inefficiencies in resource utilization and scalability as they require dedicated CPUs and line card processors for control and data plane functions, leading to increased power consumption and costs, especially when handling high network traffic volumes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtualized control and data plane processes allows for the elimination of dedicated CPUs and line card processors, enabling efficient resource utilization by partitioning control and data plane functionality between a control module and line cards, thereby freeing up space for additional ports and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated CPUs and line card processors are used for control and data plane functions, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control plane and data plane functions into a unified virtualized architecture where both planes are implemented as software processes running on a common hardware platform. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated CPUs for each plane, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional reliability through virtual machine isolation and management.
2Reliability
If dedicated CPUs and line card processors are used for control and data plane functions, then system reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining control and data plane processing on a single hardware platform with virtualization, the system eliminates redundant processing hardware and reduces overall power consumption. The virtualized architecture allows efficient resource sharing and dynamic allocation, ensuring that power is consumed only when processing is actually needed, thereby reducing idle power consumption while maintaining system reliability.
3Productivity
If additional resources are added to handle increased network traffic, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtualized architecture enables dynamic resource allocation where the hardware platform can dynamically adjust computational resources based on actual network traffic demands. Virtual machines can be instantiated, migrated, or scaled according to workload requirements, allowing the system to handle increased traffic without adding permanent hardware complexity. This dynamic scalability maintains productivity improvement while avoiding unnecessary device complexity.
4Productivity
If additional resources are added to handle increased network traffic, then productivity is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtualized platform provides universal hardware that can serve multiple functions through software-defined control and data plane processes. A single hardware platform can support various network functions, traffic handling capabilities, and service levels through virtual machine instantiation, eliminating the need for specialized expensive hardware for each function. This multi-functionality achieves improved productivity for handling network traffic while significantly reducing system cost compared to dedicated hardware solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device such as a router or a switch is comprised of a control module and a plurality of physical line cards. The control module includes a control processor virtual machine, a plurality of route processing virtual machines and one or more instances of a line card virtual machine. The line card virtual machine operates to receive routing information base update information, to modify the routing information base according to the update information and to update each instance of a plurality of forwarding information bases included on each of the physical line cards.