Circuit Manager for Dynamic Virtual Circuit Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for assigning virtual circuits to physical routes in packet-switched networks are inefficient, as they do not adapt to changing loads and costs, leading to suboptimal utilization and unnecessary infrastructure deployment during peak periods.
Innovation Solution
A circuit manager system that collects data on network utilization, estimates future usage, and automatically rebalances virtual circuit paths based on predicted loads and costs, using a probe interface, usage analyzer, and rebalancer to dynamically adjust routing tables in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional round-robin routing is used to assign virtual circuits to physical paths, then routing simplicity is maintained, but network utilization efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to changing loads and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing by continuously monitoring network conditions (utilization, cost, load) and automatically adjusting virtual circuit path assignments in real-time, transitioning from static round-robin to adaptive routing that responds to changing network states
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where network performance data is collected, analyzed, and used to trigger rebalancing actions. The circuit manager receives feedback about network conditions and adjusts routing decisions accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes utilization
2Adaptability or versatility
If static routing tables are used, then routing stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of network conditions and predicts future states before making routing changes. By analyzing current utilization patterns and costs, the circuit manager proactively adjusts routing tables in advance of congestion or cost increases, maintaining stability while preparing for changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and evaluation of network conditions, with routing tables being updated at scheduled intervals or when specific thresholds are reached. This periodic reassessment allows the system to maintain stability during normal operation while adapting to changing conditions over time
3Reliability
If additional network capacity is deployed to handle peak loads, then service reliability during peak periods is improved, but infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes routing parameters dynamically by adjusting which virtual circuits are assigned to which physical paths based on real-time network conditions. By modifying routing assignments rather than physical infrastructure, the system maintains service reliability during peak periods without requiring additional capacity deployment
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to control traffic in a packet-switched network are disclosed. An example circuit manager includes a usage analyzer to estimate a utilization of a network for a future time interval based on data associated with actual utilization of the network, a rebalancer to detect a trigger event based on the estimated utilization, and to identify a future virtual circuit path through the network for the future time interval based on the estimated utilization when the trigger event is detected, the usage analyzer and the rebalancer to repetitively change mapping of virtual circuit paths including the future virtual circuit path to physical resources to adapt the network to expected usage conditions, a rerouter to identify the future virtual circuit path based on a first predicted weighted cost for a first communication link and a second predicted weighted cost for a second communication link, and a capacity manager to determine whether the identified future virtual circuit path is expected to reduce a future utilization of a communication path below a first threshold, and to determine where additional transmission capacity should be added to the network when the predicted future utilization of the communication path exceeds the first threshold.