Application-Layer Congestion Control Without Direct NIC Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network control systems are unable to perform traffic flow controls in closed environments where network interface cards (NICs) are inaccessible, leading to inefficiencies in network traffic management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller that operates at the application layer to monitor and control network traffic using kernel-bypass transport mechanisms, enabling timestamping and network traffic control functions even in closed environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controller operates at the control layer to manage network traffic, then network traffic control functions can be performed, but the controller cannot access closed environments where NICs are inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the control function from the traditional control layer (layer 3.5) to the application layer (layer 7), enabling control capabilities in closed environments where NICs are inaccessible. This dimensional shift in the OSI model allows the controller to operate where previously it could not reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces kernel-bypass transport mechanisms as an intermediary between the application layer and the network interface, allowing the controller to manage traffic flows without direct NIC access. This intermediary enables control in environments where the controller would otherwise be blocked.
2Reliability
If packets traverse through the OSI network stack, then network protocols are properly handled, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the congestion control function from the deep kernel network stack and places it at the application layer with kernel-bypass mechanisms. This extraction removes unnecessary processing steps from the critical data path while maintaining protocol handling through selective engagement of network stack functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs congestion control actions at the application layer before packets enter the network stack, preventing congestion issues before they propagate through the system. This preliminary control reduces the need for corrective actions later in the transmission path.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein method for controlling traffic of a network at an application layer. A controller detects that an application is initiating transmission of a message from a sender host to a receiver host. The controller records one or more application layer sender timestamps corresponding to the transmission of the message, and records one or more application layer receiver timestamps based on detecting receipt of at least a portion of the message at the receiver host. Responsive to detecting that the message has been completely received by the receiver host, the controller determines a message duration spanning a length of time between a first one of the application layer sender timestamps and a last one of the application layer receiver timestamps. The controller performs a network traffic control function based on the message duration.