Dynamic Broadcast Message Filtering for Network Load Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In network environments with high volumes of broadcast packets, devices with slower processing speeds struggle to maintain performance due to the high computational demands, and existing broadcast storm resistance mechanisms either fail to adapt or inadvertently filter out too many packets, leading to increased failure rates.

Innovation Solution

A system that monitors the receipt of broadcast messages, increments a counter, and determines a filtering time duration based on the time taken to receive a pre-determined number of messages, using a table to map broadcasting times to recommended filtering times, thereby temporarily disabling the receipt of further broadcast messages to alleviate network load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional broadcast storm resistance mechanisms (MAC limiting or disabling) are used, then network device overload is reduced, but broadcast packet delivery reliability deteriorates due to excessive filtering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork device processing capacityVSAvoidbroadcast packet delivery rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic filtering by continuously monitoring broadcast packet arrival rates and adjusting the filtering state accordingly. The system transitions between active filtering and passive reception based on real-time network conditions, using a timer mechanism that adapts the filtering duration based on observed broadcast intensity. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high reliability during normal conditions while providing overload protection during storm conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring the arrival rate of broadcast packets and using this information to control the filtering behavior. The counter that tracks broadcast packet arrivals provides feedback about network conditions, which then triggers appropriate filtering actions. This closed-loop control ensures that filtering is applied only when necessary, maintaining both device protection and packet delivery reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If fixed measuring period filtering is used, then device overload is protected, but filtering response time increases causing device overwhelm before protection activates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice service capacityVSAvoidfiltering activation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a counter mechanism that begins tracking broadcast packet arrivals immediately, before any filtering is applied. This allows the system to detect increasing broadcast intensity in advance and activate filtering proactively rather than reactively. The counter accumulates evidence of broadcast storm conditions, enabling early intervention before the device becomes overwhelmed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system rushes through the measurement period by using a configurable counter threshold that can be set to trigger filtering after observing only a small number of broadcast packets. This reduces the effective measurement time needed to activate protection, allowing the system to skip waiting for a full fixed measuring period to elapse before responding to broadcast storms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Productivity

If MAC-level broadcast limiting is implemented, then network device load is reduced, but adaptability decreases due to fixed threshold limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice processing efficiencyVSAvoidbroadcast filtering adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters dynamically by adjusting the filtering duration based on the observed broadcast packet arrival rate. The timer value is selected from multiple possible durations depending on the severity of the broadcast condition, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to different network scenarios. This parameter adaptation provides versatility in handling various broadcast storm intensities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9924398B2Method for reducing load by filtering out broadcast messages

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for reducing load by filtering out broadcast messages. In some embodiments, a system may receive a broadcast message at a device at a first time. The system can monitor the device until a second time when a pre-determined number of broadcast messages have been received at the device. Based on a difference between the first time and the second time, the system can determine a filtering time duration. The system can then filter out further broadcast messages received at the device after the second time for a period of time that is equivalent to the filtering time duration.