Avoid CPU-intensive packet manipulation

[dhikra-marghli8]

Hello ,

i want to know how layer core Avoid  CPU-intensive packet manipulation ??? 

wha'ts the solution that allow device core Avoid  CPU-intensive packet manipulation ? 

i wait a reply from expert network ?

Thanks

[dhikra-marghli8]

Any update please ? 

[M02@rt37 · Accepted solution]

Hello @dhikra-marghli8 

In a network, especially in the core layer, the goal is to achieve high-speed packet forwarding with minimal impact on the device's CPU. To avoid CPU-intensive packet manipulation, several strategies and technologies are inside our tool case.

Utilize specialized hardware capabilities to offload packet processing tasks from the CPU. Many modern network devices come equipped with hardware components designed to handle specific packet operations, reducing the load on the CPU.

Employ ASICs, which are custom-designed chips optimized for specific networking functions. ASICs can significantly accelerate packet processing and forwarding tasks, freeing up the CPU for more complex operations.

Fast switching or routing mechanisms to quickly determine the next hop for a packet without involving the CPU extensively. This can be achieved through techniques such as CEF or equivalent technologies in other vendors' equipment.

Distribute switching capabilities (depend hardware model) across multiple modules or line cards within the device. This allows parallel processing and helps avoid bottlenecks at the central CPU.

Note that, prioritize packets based on QoS settings to ensure that critical traffic receives preferential treatment. This helps in managing CPU resources effectively and ensuring that high-priority traffic is processed promptly.

Finally, ensure that the device's software and firmware are up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that include performance optimizations and bug fixes that can enhance the device's efficiency.

[Joseph W. Doherty]

"Note that, prioritize packets based on QoS settings to ensure that critical traffic receives preferential treatment. This helps in managing CPU resources effectively and ensuring that high-priority traffic is processed promptly."

Actually, I would propose QoS adds to the workload, i.e. more likely to worsen CPU usage.  (Although the possible benefit, to traffic needs, often makes this a worthwhile consumption of any additional CPU.)

[Joseph W. Doherty]

Minimum CPU at core?

You try to do the least amount of packet processing possible.  Whatever you do, you attempt to do in the most efficient way possible.

For as example of avoiding packet processing, ideally a core layer wouldn't be filtering packets with any ACLs.

For an example of performing processing packets as efficiently as possible, a router would need only one route summary per interface.

As M02@rt37 notes, much might be accomplished in specialized hardware to off load a CPU, but the best off load is not having to perform the work on the core.  Second best, regardless of special hardware, reducing what work may need to be done may allow the special hardware to take less time and/or increase throughput.

M02@rt37 describes distributed capabilities in a core device.  Yep, that's fine and good but you might consider the distribution layer as external distributed capabilities!