Adaptive Load Sharing for Network Traffic Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network load balancing methods rely on static criteria to route traffic, leading to congestion and delays as the number of end users increases, while alternative paths with better performance metrics are not utilized effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive load sharing method that identifies and calculates path usage based on jitter, packet delay, and packet loss across multiple paths in a network, dynamically selecting the path with the largest available capacity to distribute traffic efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network routing protocols send traffic according to the shortest path based on static criteria, then the routing is simple and deterministic, but the shortest path becomes congested leading to delays, jitters, and packet loss when the number of end users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection by continuously monitoring network conditions (packet loss, jitter, delay) and adjusting traffic distribution in real-time. The load sharing mechanism dynamically adapts to changing network states, selecting optimal paths based on current conditions rather than static pre-configured routes, thereby preventing congestion and packet loss while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring network performance metrics (packet loss, jitter, delay) on each path and using this information to adjust traffic distribution. The load sharing algorithm receives feedback about path conditions and dynamically modifies routing decisions to avoid congested paths and utilize underutilized paths, resolving the contradiction between maintaining throughput and preventing packet loss.
2Reliability
If network load balancing distributes traffic to multiple paths, then congestion and delays are reduced, but the system complexity increases due to dynamic path selection and monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancing system operates autonomously by automatically monitoring network conditions, evaluating path quality metrics, and making routing decisions without manual intervention. The system self-adjusts traffic distribution based on real-time feedback, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration and reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability through adaptive path selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing parameters from static criteria (shortest path based on hop count or bandwidth) to dynamic parameters (packet loss, jitter, delay measurements). By monitoring and responding to changes in these parameters, the system achieves reliable load balancing across multiple paths without requiring complex manual management, as the parameter-driven approach automates the decision-making process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alternative paths are utilized to distribute traffic, then network scalability and performance are improved, but the path selection becomes more complex requiring dynamic monitoring of multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from network performance monitoring to automatically evaluate and compare alternative paths. By continuously measuring packet loss, jitter, and delay on each path and feeding this information back to the load sharing algorithm, the system simplifies the complexity of path selection. The feedback mechanism transforms the difficult task of evaluating multiple paths into an automated process based on objective performance metrics, enabling scalable network operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or static path selection mechanisms with an automated system that uses electronic monitoring and algorithmic decision-making. Instead of relying on static routing tables or manual configuration, the system substitutes a dynamic electronic control mechanism that automatically measures path quality parameters and adjusts traffic distribution, thereby improving scalability while managing the complexity of multi-parameter monitoring through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing adaptive load sharing to balance network traffic. The method begins by identifying all paths in a network between a first provider edge and a second provider edge. Next determining jitter, packet delay, and packet loss for each identified path in the network. Then utilizing the jitter, packet delay, and packet loss values, calculating a usage value for each path in the network. The usage value corresponds to the percentage of all network traffic which a specific path in the network may manage. When data is received by the first provider edge, the provider edge selects the appropriate path for the data. The appropriate path being the path with the largest usage value which is currently not managing a percentage of the network traffic that is equal to its usage value.