Adaptive Routing Using WCMP Tables and Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing routing methods in networks either fail to adapt to changing conditions due to reliance on static parameters or overlook predetermined network parameters, leading to inefficient packet transmission.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid approach that combines static and adaptive routing by using Weighted Cost Multi Path (WCMP) tables to select initial ports based on static weights and then adjusts based on estimated latency and network congestion at each hop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static routing is used to select routes based on predetermined parameters, then routing decisions are simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt to changing network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing by combining static WCMP table lookups with dynamic congestion-based port selection. The system maintains static weight configurations while dynamically adjusting port selection based on real-time congestion measurements, allowing the routing system to adapt to changing conditions without complete reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing decision process is segmented into two independent stages: first, static WCMP table lookup to identify candidate ports based on predetermined weights; second, dynamic congestion-based selection among candidate ports. This segmentation allows each stage to operate independently, combining the stability of static routing with the adaptability of dynamic routing.
2Productivity
If adaptive routing is used to select routes based on current congestion conditions, then the system adapts to real-time conditions, but predetermined network parameters are overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring WCMP tables with static weight values that reflect predetermined network parameters and topology. These pre-computed tables provide a foundation of reliable routing decisions based on planned network architecture, while still allowing real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters dynamically by using congestion measurements to adjust port selection weights in real-time. Instead of using fixed weights throughout, the system modifies the effective weights based on current network conditions, allowing optimal packet transmission while still respecting the underlying static network topology and parameters.
3Speed
If an output port with lower congestion is selected, then current packet transmission is faster, but downstream output ports with low bandwidth may be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms at multiple levels: immediate feedback through congestion-based port selection for current packets, and long-term feedback through learning algorithms that update WCMP table weights based on observed network behavior. This feedback loop allows the system to balance immediate transmission speed with long-term path optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing strategy dynamically adjusts between two extremes: using static WCMP tables for stable, predetermined routing, and using dynamic congestion-based selection for real-time optimization. The system can switch between these modes or combine them, allowing adaptation to both immediate speed requirements and overall network optimization goals.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods of routing are provided. In the system, one or more processors determine that a packet is to be transmitted to a destination. In one or more aspects of the system, the one or more processors select a next port to be used for transmitting the packet by selecting a set of ports among a plurality of ports based on a static weight configuration associated with each port. The next port may be selected from the set of ports based on a number of hops required to reach the destination from each port and based on an estimated latency from each port to the destination. The one or more processors may then route the packet through the selected next port.