Distributed Traffic Shaping With Quality-Based Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bandwidth shaping methods in distributed computer networks lead to uneven or unfair usage of bandwidth among subscribers, failing to achieve equitable distribution and efficient utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing logic nodes with packet processors, control processors, and shaper objects to determine quality values based on traffic metrics, adjusting bandwidth allocation dynamically using exponential moving averages and synchronization intervals to balance traffic shaping across nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional bandwidth shaping methods are applied in distributed networks, then bandwidth allocation is simplified, but bandwidth distribution becomes uneven and unfair among subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each logic node reports its current bandwidth utilization and quality metrics to a central controller. The controller calculates a quality value based on this feedback and adjusts bandwidth allocation dynamically to achieve fair distribution. This closed-loop control ensures that bandwidth is allocated equitably while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the bandwidth allocation parameter based on the calculated quality value. By adjusting the bandwidth parameter in response to network conditions and subscriber needs, the system achieves fair bandwidth distribution without requiring complex manual configuration or static allocation rules.
2Reliability
If bandwidth shaping is applied to manage limited bandwidth, then Quality of Experience for some subscribers improves, but overall network flexibility and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the allocated bandwidth for each logic node changes in real-time based on network conditions and quality metrics. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying traffic patterns and subscriber needs, maintaining high Quality of Experience while preserving network flexibility through automated adjustment rather than static configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-adjustment of bandwidth allocation based on quality values calculated from network metrics. The controller autonomously determines optimal bandwidth distribution without requiring manual intervention, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining reliable Quality of Experience for all subscribers.
3Productivity
If distributed logic nodes are used to handle bandwidth shaping, then network scalability improves, but coordination and synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bandwidth shaping function into multiple independent logic nodes distributed across the network. Each node operates autonomously with its own bandwidth allocation, enabling the system to scale horizontally by simply adding more nodes. The segmentation reduces coordination complexity by allowing independent operation while maintaining overall system goals through quality value-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements a universal quality value calculation mechanism that works across all logic nodes regardless of their specific functions or positions in the network. This universal approach simplifies coordination by providing a consistent framework for bandwidth allocation that can be applied uniformly across distributed nodes, enabling scalability without proportionally increasing coordination complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing distributed shaping in a computer network. The system including: a plurality of logic nodes, each logic node including: a packet processor configured to determine metrics associated with traffic flows in the computer network; a control processor configured to determine a quality value based on the determined metrics and communicate with each of the plurality of logic nodes; and a shaper object configured to shape the network traffic. The method including: initializing each logic node of a plurality of logic nodes; determining metrics associated with traffic flows in the computer network; determining a quality value based on the determined metrics; communicating the metrics with each of the plurality of logic nodes; and shaping the network traffic flows based on the quality value.