VxLAN Packet Encapsulation via On-Demand Network Adapter Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network adapters lack the capability to obtain and perform VxLAN encapsulation information, preventing them from forwarding VxLAN packets effectively.
Innovation Solution
The network adapter processor determines if it has the necessary encapsulation information, and if not, requests it from the central processing unit, enabling VxLAN encapsulation and forwarding of packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the network adapter does not store encapsulation information, then device complexity is reduced, but VxLAN packet forwarding capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two parts: the network adapter handles packet reception and forwarding, while the central processing unit handles encapsulation information management. This segmentation allows the network adapter to remain simple while the central processing unit provides the necessary intelligence for VxLAN operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The central processing unit acts as an intermediary that provides encapsulation information to the network adapter when needed. This mediator approach allows the network adapter to forward packets without permanently storing complex encapsulation information, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and capability.
2Reliability
If the network adapter stores encapsulation information, then VxLAN packet forwarding capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network adapter dynamically obtains encapsulation information from the central processing unit only when needed for packet forwarding, rather than statically storing it. This dynamic approach maintains forwarding capability while avoiding the complexity of permanent storage structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The central processing unit serves itself by managing the encapsulation information that the network adapter needs. When the network adapter requires encapsulation information, it requests it from the central processing unit, which provides the information on-demand without requiring the network adapter to have complex storage capabilities.
3Loss of information
If the network adapter requests encapsulation information from the central processing unit each time, then information availability is improved, but forwarding speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the central processing unit prepare and make available encapsulation information before it is needed by the network adapter. This allows the network adapter to quickly retrieve pre-prepared information rather than requesting it ad-hoc for each packet.
Solution Approach 2:
The central processing unit continuously maintains encapsulation information in an accessible state, ensuring that the network adapter can continuously obtain the information it needs without interruption or delay. This continuous availability eliminates the speed penalty that would result from repeated requests.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sending a VxLAN packet, a computer device, and a computer readable medium, to resolve a problem that a network adapter cannot forward a VxLAN packet in the prior art. By means of the method for forwarding a VxLAN packet provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, after receiving a first packet, a network adapter determines whether the network adapter stores encapsulation information required for performing VxLAN encapsulation on the first packet; if the network adapter stores the encapsulation information, performs VxLAN encapsulation on the first packet and sends the first packet; or if the network adapter does not store the encapsulation information, requests the encapsulation information from a central processing unit and stores the encapsulation information; and sends a packet obtained after the VxLAN encapsulation is performed on the first packet.