Dynamic Link Aggregation for Telecommunications Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications networks face challenges in managing traffic across multiple links due to differing characteristics such as delays, jitter, and packet losses, which can degrade the performance of aggregated links, potentially making them less effective than using a single link.
Innovation Solution
A first node dynamically determines the best link or aggregation of links to use based on performance indicators, acquiring an indication of traffic performance through aggregation of multiple links before sending data, and a second node provides signals to influence this decision, ensuring traffic is routed through the link or aggregation with the highest performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic is aggregated across multiple links, then throughput is improved, but performance degrades due to differing characteristics such as delays, jitter, and packet losses
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the link aggregation configuration based on real-time performance conditions. The network node monitors performance metrics and adjusts whether to use single link or aggregated link transmission, transforming a static aggregation approach into a dynamic one that responds to changing network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the aggregation parameter (whether to aggregate or use single link) based on performance conditions. By monitoring performance metrics and adjusting the aggregation state, the system optimizes throughput while avoiding performance degradation from inappropriate aggregation.
2Productivity
If link aggregation is used, then data throughput increases, but device complexity increases due to multipath scheduling
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multipath scheduling function is extracted from the network node and implemented as a separate performance evaluation mechanism. The network node only needs to evaluate performance conditions and select appropriate transmission mode, rather than implementing complex scheduling algorithms for packet distribution across multiple paths.
3Quantity of substance
If aggregation is used under adverse conditions, then packet losses increase requiring retransmissions, but this reduces overall performance below single link
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary performance evaluation before initiating aggregation to prevent adverse effects. By assessing link performance conditions in advance, the system avoids starting aggregation when conditions are unfavorable, thereby preventing packet losses and retransmissions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node continuously monitors performance conditions and provides feedback to adjust the aggregation state. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect deteriorating conditions and switch from aggregation to single link transmission, preventing the accumulation of packet losses and retransmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
A first node for use in a telecommunications network. The first node is adapted to acquire an indication of a performance associated with sending traffic through an aggregation of a first link and a second link and send the traffic through one of: the first link, the second link, and an aggregation of the first link and the second link, based on the indication. There is further a second node adapted to determine an indication of a performance associated with a first node sending traffic through an aggregation of a first link and a second link, and send a signal to the first node, based on the indication.