Packet Network Optimization with Adaptive NIC Congestion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network performance optimization methods are inefficient due to the large number of possible congestion control (CC) scheme and parameter combinations, lacking visibility and feedback for administrators to effectively improve network performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for real-time selection and tuning of CC schemes and parameters in network nodes, using graphical display of performance indicators to assist administrators in optimizing network performance by iteratively adjusting CC configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple congestion control schemes and parameter combinations are available for selection, then network performance can be optimized for different conditions, but the complexity of configuration and selection increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically monitoring network performance indicators and selecting appropriate congestion control schemes and parameters without requiring manual administrator intervention. The NIC autonomously adjusts CC configurations based on real-time network conditions, eliminating the complexity of manual configuration while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network performance indicators and using this information to dynamically select and adjust congestion control schemes. The feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions automatically, resolving the contradiction between versatility and configuration complexity.
2Productivity
If administrators manually configure congestion control parameters, then some level of optimization can be achieved, but the time and expertise required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The NIC performs self-configuration of congestion control parameters by automatically monitoring network performance and selecting appropriate CC schemes without requiring administrator time or expertise. This eliminates the time loss associated with manual configuration while maintaining optimization productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical process of manual administrator configuration with an automated electronic system that monitors network indicators and adjusts CC parameters programmatically. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for configuration while maintaining or improving optimization effectiveness.
3Productivity
If congestion control schemes are changed frequently to adapt to network conditions, then network performance improves, but system stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic congestion control scheme selection that adapts to changing network conditions while maintaining stability through controlled adjustment frequencies. The NIC monitors performance indicators and makes CC scheme changes only when necessary, achieving both performance improvement and system stability through balanced dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism monitors network performance indicators and triggers CC scheme changes only when performance degradation is detected, rather than changing schemes frequently. This conditional feedback approach improves network performance when needed while maintaining system stability by avoiding unnecessary changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing congestion in a computer communication network is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of Network Interface Controllers (NICs) that connect multiple hosts to the network, the NICs supporting a configurable Congestion Control (CC) scheme selected from among multiple available CC schemes. One or more processors coupled to the network are configured to automatically select, based on time-series data indicative of one or more performance measures of the network over time, respective CC schemes and/or CC parameters for one or more of the NICs. The one or more processors provision the selected CC schemes and/or parameters to the NICs and iteratively repeat the selection and provisioning steps in response to updated performance measures so as to optimize network performance.