Congestion Signaling via Control Plane in Packet Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing congestion notification mechanisms in packet communication networks cause delays in signaling congestion to transmitters, leading to inefficient resource management and potential data loss or increased latency, as they rely on statistical marking and require acknowledgement packets, which can result in delayed action on congestion.
Innovation Solution
A method for signaling congestion information from one node to another, where a second node detects congestion and sends a control message in the command plane to the transmitter of a lower-priority stream, allowing for immediate action to prevent or resolve congestion by reducing bit rates, thereby prioritizing critical streams and preserving quality of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If explicit congestion notification mechanisms (ECN, FECN, BECN) are used to signal congestion, then congestion information can be transmitted to transmitters, but delays occur because packets must arrive at recipients and acknowledgements must be returned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary node (the congested node itself) that directly sends congestion notification messages to transmitters via a control plane interface, bypassing the traditional data plane acknowledgement loop. This mediator approach eliminates the round-trip delay through data packets and provides direct, immediate congestion signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical data plane packet transmission mechanism with a control plane message transmission mechanism. Instead of relying on data packets to carry congestion information back to transmitters, the system uses dedicated control plane signaling, which operates independently and faster than data plane acknowledgements.
2Loss of information
If statistical marking methods are used to indicate congestion, then packets can be marked with congestion information, but the precision is reduced because packets are chosen randomly from all packets conveyed by the queue
Solution Approach 1:
The congested node itself generates and sends the congestion notification message, eliminating the need for statistical marking of data packets. The node that experiences congestion directly reports it, providing accurate and intentional congestion indication rather than random statistical sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the congestion indication function from the data plane packet marking process and moves it to a separate control plane messaging system. This separation allows congestion information to be conveyed independently of data packet selection, eliminating the statistical approximation inherent in packet marking.
3Loss of information
If congestion information is transmitted in the data transfer plane through packet marking, then congestion can be signaled, but the complexity of the system increases due to the need for acknowledgement mechanisms and protocol modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication into distinct data plane and control plane functions. Congestion notification is handled exclusively by the control plane, separating it from the data plane packet transmission. This segmentation eliminates the need to modify data packet structures and protocols, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane messaging infrastructure serves multiple functions including congestion notification, resource management, and network control. By using an existing multi-functional control plane for congestion signaling, the patent avoids creating specialized protocols and reduces the need for additional complexity in the system.
4Productivity
If congestion signaling delays occur, then transmitters cannot take immediate measures to prevent or resolve congestion, but the existing mechanisms require packet round-trips that cause delays
Solution Approach 1:
The congested node detects and reports congestion immediately upon detection, before the congestion can significantly impact network performance. This preliminary action allows transmitters to take preventive measures in advance, resolving congestion before it causes data loss or severe latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the slow mechanical data plane packet round-trip mechanism with a fast control plane messaging system. This substitution enables immediate congestion notification and response, dramatically improving the speed at which transmitters can adjust their transmission rates to prevent or resolve congestion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for signaling a piece of congestion information regarding a first data stream routed by a first node in a network. The method includes the following acts implemented by a second node via which the first data stream and at least a second data stream are routed: obtaining a piece of congestion information regarding the second data stream, the congestion information indicating that a third node, via which the first data stream is routed, has detected a congestion situation for a routing of the second stream in a data transfer plane; checking that the first data stream has a priority level lower than that of the second data stream; and sending, to the first node, a control message in a control plane, the control message carrying the congestion information.