Enhanced random early discard for networked devices

摘要

Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to enhanced random early discard mechanisms implemented in various networked devices including end-systems such as servers and intermediate systems such as gateways and routers. In one implementation, the present invention enables a random early discard mechanism that intelligently biases the drop probabilities of select packets based on one or more application-aware and/or flow-aware metrics or state conditions.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
monitoring the number of received packets stored in a buffer relative to a threshold value; and if the number of received packets stored in the buffer exceeds the threshold value, then initiating a random early discard mechanism to randomly discard one or more of the received packets; and biasing operation of the random early discard mechanism to alter drop probabilities corresponding to individual packets based on one or more attributes associated with the respective individual packets, wherein biasing operation of the random early discard mechanism for a given packet comprises:
maintaining a maximum drop probability value; andbased on one or more attributes associated with the given packet, identifying cached information associated with previous policy decisions made for previous packet flows;calculating an adjusted drop probability value for the given packet based on the cached information associated with the previous policy decisions made for the previous packet flows; andin response to determining that the adjusted drop probability is less than the maximum drop probability value, determining whether to discard the given packet based at least in part on the one or more attributes associated with the given packet.