Network Congestion Alert for Adaptive Device Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network congestion during device initialization or rebooting leads to increased boot times due to existing protocols being optimized for single device startups with low network congestion, resulting in devices requesting configuration information without knowledge of current network conditions, causing extended retry intervals and increased congestion.
Innovation Solution
A network monitor application broadcasts a congestion alert signal when detected, allowing devices to delay their configuration requests, with the option to implement a random or suggested delay, enabling adaptive initialization procedures to reduce network load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If devices immediately commence initialization procedures upon startup, then boot time is minimized under normal conditions, but network congestion increases and boot time extends when large numbers of devices startup simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The network server performs preliminary detection of network congestion conditions before devices initiate their configuration requests. By monitoring network parameters in advance and broadcasting congestion alert signals, the system prepares mitigation strategies beforehand, allowing devices to delay their initialization procedures when congestion is detected, thus preventing the boot time extension problem while maintaining normal boot performance when network conditions are good
2Productivity
If random delays are applied to device initialization, then network congestion is reduced during mass startup, but boot time increases significantly under normal network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts device initialization behavior based on real-time network conditions. Instead of applying fixed random delays, the network server monitors network state and broadcasts congestion alert signals that trigger adaptive delays only when necessary. This dynamic approach allows devices to maintain immediate initialization under normal conditions while introducing delays only when congestion is detected, resolving the contradiction between network throughput and boot time
3Productivity
If the network is divided into subnetworks to reduce congestion, then network throughput improves during mass startup, but network infrastructure cost increases due to over-provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The network server implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors network congestion levels and broadcasts congestion alert signals to devices based on actual network conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to respond to real-time congestion without requiring physical network reconfiguration. The feedback-based approach manages network throughput during mass startup while avoiding the need for costly subnetwork division, as the congestion control is achieved through software-based adaptive delays rather than hardware reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to providing improved device boot times on a network while that network is congested. According to embodiments of the present invention, when a device initializes, it listens for a congestion alert message before making a request for configuration information. If a congestion alert message is not received, a request for configuration information may be sent without further delay. Alternatively, if a network congestion message is received, the device may implement an alternate connection request sequence, in which transmission of a request for configuration information is delayed. The period of delay may be predetermined, random, or a period of time recommended as part of the congestion alert signal.