Aggregated Link Congestion Control via Dynamic Rate Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern communication and data networks face challenges in controlling traffic congestion, with existing solutions either causing packet retransmissions or network oscillation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that monitor and adjust transmission rates across an aggregated link to ensure they do not exceed its bandwidth capacity, using mechanisms to detect congestion and distribute bandwidth among nodes to maintain stable data flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic congestion is controlled by dropping packets marked as best effort, then traffic rate is reduced, but packet loss increases requiring retransmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network nodes monitor link utilization and transmit congestion notification messages back to source nodes. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of transmission rates without packet loss, as sources can proactively reduce their sending rates based on real-time network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by having source nodes reduce their transmission rates before congestion occurs. Through link utilization monitoring and proactive rate adjustment, the system prevents packet loss rather than reacting to it, eliminating the need for retransmission.
2Productivity
If traffic congestion is controlled by signaling adjacent nodes to stop transmitting using PAUSE messages, then traffic rate is reduced, but network oscillation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing continuous, gradual adjustment of transmission rates based on real-time link utilization monitoring. Instead of abrupt stop/start commands, the system dynamically modulates rates to match available capacity, preventing the oscillatory behavior characteristic of PAUSE-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from binary pause/unpause states to continuous transmission rate adjustments. By monitoring link utilization and adjusting rates proportionally, the system avoids the instability caused by sudden parameter changes inherent in PAUSE message-based control.
3Reliability
If transmission rates are reduced to zero to prevent congestion, then packet loss is prevented, but data flow cessation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by reducing transmission rates to levels that prevent congestion while maintaining non-zero data flow. Instead of completely stopping transmission, the system adjusts rates to match available capacity, ensuring continuous but controlled data flow that prevents packet loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Through continuous feedback on link utilization, the system maintains transmission rates at optimal levels that prevent congestion while sustaining data flow. The feedback mechanism ensures rates are reduced only to the extent necessary, avoiding complete cessation while preventing packet loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a plurality of ingress ports coupled to a plurality of upstream nodes, the ingress ports having an incoming data rate; and a plurality of egress ports coupled to the ingress ports and an aggregated link comprising a plurality of links, the aggregated link having a bandwidth capacity, wherein at least some of the upstream nodes reduce their data transfer rates to a rate greater than zero when the incoming data rate is greater than or about equal to the aggregated link's bandwidth capacity. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising varying a plurality of transmission rates at a rate greater than zero, wherein the transmission rates correspond to a plurality of nodes that send data over an aggregated link.