Coordinated Network Route Discovery via Cluster Master Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing network architectures, hosts randomly send probe messages to detect the status of their data paths, leading to bandwidth and processing inefficiencies and potential instability in the network due to uncoordinated probing, especially as the number of hosts increases.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of cluster groups, where hosts are organized based on common egress devices, with a designated master node to coordinate probe messages and share confirmation information among members, reducing the number of probe messages sent over shared media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hosts randomly send probe messages to detect network path status, then network path integrity can be detected, but bandwidth consumption increases and network stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hosts are grouped into cluster groups based on shared egress devices, and a single master node per cluster coordinates probe messages for all members. This merging approach consolidates redundant probe traffic into unified discovery operations, maintaining path integrity detection while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption compared to independent random probing by each host
Solution Approach 2:
A master node is introduced as an intermediary within each cluster group to coordinate probe messages on behalf of all member hosts. The master node receives discovery requests from cluster members, manages probe message timing and content, and distributes results back to members. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for each host to independently send probes, reducing overall bandwidth usage while maintaining detection reliability
2Reliability
If hosts continuously send probe messages to monitor network paths, then path status can be monitored, but processing resources are consumed and route device stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous random probing, the system implements periodic discovery operations coordinated by the master node. Probe messages are sent at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, allowing path status monitoring to be performed periodically. This reduces processing resource consumption and prevents route device instability while maintaining adequate monitoring capability through coordinated periodic checks
Solution Approach 2:
Cluster members rely on the master node to perform discovery operations on their behalf rather than each host independently sending probes. The master node serves the discovery needs of all cluster members through a single coordinated process, reducing total processing load on the network while maintaining path status awareness for all hosts in the cluster
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of hosts increases, then network capacity increases, but the number of probe messages increases and network degradation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple cluster groups based on shared egress devices, with each cluster managed by its own master node. This segmentation isolates probe message coordination to local clusters rather than requiring global coordination across all hosts. As network capacity increases with more hosts, the segmented structure contains probe traffic within manageable cluster boundaries, preventing network-wide degradation while supporting increased network capacity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for coordinated discovery of the status of network routes by hosts in a network. A plurality of host devices is connected to at least one of a plurality of egress devices. Each of the plurality of host devices is assigned to at least one cluster group. A cluster group may include one or more host devices connected to a common egress device. A master node is selected from the members of each cluster group. The master node coordinates the issuance of probe messages from the master node and other members of the cluster group to the common egress device. The probes provide the status of a network route to and through the common egress device. The master node makes the status available to the members of the cluster group. A member of the cluster group may obtain the status by communicating with the master node or by communicating with other members of its cluster group.