Dynamic CALR Rules for Network Link Contraction Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern networks experience contraction loss due to congestion-related packet drops when a subset of network links fail, leading to inefficient bandwidth utilization and potential network disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically generates Capacity Aware Local Repair (CALR) rules using topology and traffic matrix data to proactively set inactive network links when bandwidth falls below a threshold, rerouting traffic to backup paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network links are grouped into a LAG to simplify configuration and improve routing efficiency, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but when links are lost the new capacity causes congestion-related packet drops worsening reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simulation of traffic scenarios before actual link failures occur. By simulating both down scenarios (link failure) and contraction scenarios (capacity reduction), the system pre-calculates down loss values and contraction loss values to determine appropriate CALR rules and bandwidth thresholds, enabling proactive rather than reactive response to link failures
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual network bandwidth utilization and compares it against the contracted bandwidth threshold from CALR rules. When the threshold is breached, feedback triggers automatic deactivation of the LAG and rerouting through backup paths, creating a closed-loop control system that dynamically responds to network conditions
2Ease of operation
If a contracted LAG continues operation to maintain connectivity, then ease of operation is maintained, but congestion-related packet drops increase worsening reliability and performance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reacting to packet loss after it occurs, the system applies preliminary anti-action by deactivating the contracted LAG before significant packet loss can occur. The CALR rules and bandwidth thresholds are designed to trigger deactivation when bandwidth utilization approaches problematic levels, preventing congestion-related packet drops before they happen
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates contraction loss values through traffic scenario simulations to establish appropriate bandwidth thresholds in CALR rules. This preliminary analysis enables the system to take preventive action by deactivating LAGs before they enter a congestion state that would cause packet loss
3Reliability
If backup data paths are preconfigured to handle link failures, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple paths increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating CALR rules from simulated traffic scenarios and automatically monitoring bandwidth utilization to trigger deactivation when needed. The network device autonomously manages the backup path selection and activation without requiring manual configuration or intervention, reducing the operational complexity of managing multiple paths
Data Source
AI summary
A computerized method reduces contraction loss in a network using dynamically generated rules. Topology and traffic matrix data of a network are obtained, wherein the obtained data includes data associated with a network link of the network. A first traffic scenario is simulated to determine a down loss value of the network link, and a second traffic scenario is simulated to determine a contraction loss value of the network link. A capacity aware local repair (CALR) rule of the network link is generated using the determined down loss value and the determined contraction loss value, wherein the CALR rule includes a contracted bandwidth threshold. The generated CALR rule is provided to a network device associated with the network link, wherein the network device is enabled to set the network link to inactive based on bandwidth of the network link falling below the contracted bandwidth threshold of the generated CALR rule.