Congestion Detection via Divergence in Data Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet communication networks face challenges in managing congestion on transmission links, particularly those using wireless technologies like satellite links, which experience high bandwidth variations due to environmental factors, requiring a solution that is independent of transport protocols and does not require temporal synchronization of network equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two network equipment items, each with a congestion detection application, that exchanges control messages to detect divergence in data volumes and generate alarm signals for congestion, implementing a congestion control mechanism per class of service and a global congestion control mechanism, independent of transport protocols and without temporal synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If QoS management technologies are implemented with class of service definitions and priorities, then transmission quality for bandwidth-constrained services is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the congestion detection function into separate applications at each end of the transmission link (first congestion detection application at the source, second congestion detection application at the destination). This segmentation allows each application to perform specific tasks independently, reducing the complexity burden on individual network devices while maintaining overall QoS management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control messages as intermediary carriers that transport congestion information between network devices. These control messages serve as a standardized interface that simplifies the interaction between different network equipment, reducing implementation complexity by providing a uniform mechanism for congestion detection and reporting across diverse devices.
2Reliability
If congestion detection mechanisms are implemented on wireless transmission links subject to environmental variations, then transmission reliability is improved, but the complexity of distinguishing congestion from environmental effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having each congestion detection application independently analyze local conditions at its respective location. The first application at the source monitors outgoing traffic patterns, while the second application at the destination monitors incoming traffic. This localized approach allows each device to make congestion determinations based on its own observations, reducing the complexity of coordinating across the entire network while improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the second congestion detection application sends congestion status information back to the first application through control messages. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of congestion detection parameters, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions on wireless links without requiring complex centralized control.
3Measurement precision
If temporal synchronization is required for congestion detection across network devices, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and implementation simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having network devices collect and buffer traffic volume data locally before congestion analysis is performed. Each device maintains a record of transmitted and received data volumes over time, allowing congestion detection to be based on accumulated historical data rather than requiring precise real-time synchronization. This preliminary data collection enables accurate congestion measurement without the operational complexity of temporal synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to detect congestion on a transmission link, endpoint items of network equipment are associated with congestion-detection applications. Per class of service, one application sends to the other control messages indicating volumes of data transmitted by the concerned item of network equipment via the transmission link. On reception of the control messages, the other application obtains information on volumes of data received by the other item of network equipment. By determining a first divergence in volumes of data transmitted between two control messages and a second divergence in volumes of data received, between two control messages, this other application is able to detect a situation of congestion on the transmission link occurring for one or more classes of service, and to generate an alarm signal accordingly.