Method and apparatus to implement a very efficient random early detection algorithm in the forwarding path

摘要

A method and apparatus for implementing a very efficient random early detection algorithm in the forwarding path of a network device. Under one embodiment of the method flows are associated with corresponding Weighted Random Early Detection (WRED) drop profile parameters, and a flow queue is allocated to each of multiple flows. Estimated drop probability values are repeatedly generated for the flow queues based on existing flow queue state data in combination with WRED drop profile parameters. In parallel, various packet forwarding operations are performed, including packet classification, which assigns a packet to a flow queue for enqueing. In conjunction with this, a determination is made to whether to enqueue the packet in the flow queue or drop it by comparing the estimated drop probability value for the flow queue with a random number that is generated in the forwarding path.