VNFC Flow Label Processing for NFV Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network function virtualization (NFV), the complexity and inefficiency of generating flow labels by virtualized network function components (VNFCs) result in high system overheads and low processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A data processing method where a VNFC receives a data packet with a pre-generated flow label from another VNFC, allowing it to directly select a processing node without regenerating the flow label, and optionally updates the flow label if the packet's granularity changes, thereby reducing unnecessary processing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a VNFC generates flow label according to flow information rule, then flow label can be obtained, but system overheads increase and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the dispatch node generate the flow label in advance before packet processing. The dispatch node obtains flow information from the incoming packet, generates the flow label according to predefined rules, and attaches it to the packet. This eliminates the need for each VNFC to regenerate the flow label, thereby reducing system overheads and improving processing efficiency while maintaining reliable flow label generation.
2Measurement precision
If each VNFC generates flow label independently, then flow label accuracy is ensured, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow label generation function from each VNFC and concentrates it in the dispatch node. The dispatch node is responsible for obtaining flow information, generating the flow label according to rules, and attaching it to packets before forwarding. This separation of functions ensures flow label accuracy while significantly reducing processing complexity across the network, as only the dispatch node performs the generation operation.
3Loss of information
If flow label is regenerated at each VNFC, then flow information is updated, but system overheads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining the flow label generated by the dispatch node throughout the packet processing chain. The flow label is attached to the packet and forwarded along with it through multiple VNFCs without regeneration. This continuous use of the pre-generated flow label reduces system overheads while still ensuring flow information is properly tracked and updated in the network.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a data processing method and apparatus. The method includes: receiving, by a first VNFC a first data packet and a flow label of the first data packet that are sent by a second VNFC, where the flow label is generated by the second VNFC according to flow information of the first data packet or is received by the second VNFC from a third VNFC; and selecting, by the first VNFC according to the flow label, a first processing node configured to process the first data packet, where the first processing node is a processing node in the first VNFC. By means of the method in this application, system consumption can be reduced, and processing efficiency of a data packet can be improved.