Compute Node Network Traffic Pacing via Roundtrip Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for pacing network traffic in parallel computers often lead to congestion, as compute nodes wait for acknowledgments, which wastes time and resources, especially when large amounts of data are transmitted between nodes in different network sections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where each compute node identifies the roundtrip time delay for communicating within its network region and determines a pacing algorithm based on this delay to manage network packet transmissions, allowing for optimized data transmission timing and reducing congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If compute nodes wait for acknowledgments before transmitting more data, then network congestion is reduced, but transmission time and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple regions, and compute nodes are segmented into different groups based on their network region. Each region can independently manage its traffic pacing, allowing concurrent transmissions across different regions without causing congestion in a single region. This segmentation enables parallel data transmission while maintaining congestion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines pacing algorithms for different network regions based on historical roundtrip time delay measurements. By establishing transmission pacing rules in advance for each region, the system avoids the need for compute nodes to wait for acknowledgments before determining pacing parameters, thereby reducing transmission time while maintaining congestion control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compute nodes use centralized traffic pacing control, then network congestion is managed, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each compute node independently determines pacing algorithms for its own transmissions to other compute nodes based on measured roundtrip time delays. Instead of a centralized controller managing all traffic, each node applies local pacing control tailored to its specific network region characteristics, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective congestion management.
Solution Approach 2:
Compute nodes autonomously measure roundtrip time delays and select appropriate pacing algorithms for their own traffic without requiring external control. Each node serves itself by independently managing its transmission pacing, which eliminates the need for complex centralized control mechanisms while still achieving congestion control goals.
3Productivity
If compute nodes transmit large amounts of data across different network sections, then data throughput increases, but network congestion worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the network into multiple regions and applying region-specific pacing algorithms, the system enables high throughput within each region while preventing congestion from propagating across the entire network. Compute nodes can transmit large amounts of data to nodes in their own region without causing congestion in distant regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission pacing parameters based on measured roundtrip time delays for each network region. When delays indicate congestion, the pacing algorithm automatically reduces transmission rate; when delays are low, the algorithm increases throughput. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain high productivity while avoiding congestion.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for pacing network traffic among a plurality of compute nodes connected using a data communications network. The network has a plurality of network regions, and the plurality of compute nodes are distributed among these network regions. Pacing network traffic among a plurality of compute nodes connected using a data communications network includes: identifying, by a compute node for each region of the network, a roundtrip time delay for communicating with at least one of the compute nodes in that region; determining, by the compute node for each region, a pacing algorithm for that region in dependence upon the roundtrip time delay for that region; and transmitting, by the compute node, network packets to at least one of the compute nodes in at least one of the network regions in dependence upon the pacing algorithm for that region.