Dynamic Link Weighting for Degraded Network Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networking algorithms in distributed environments, such as data center networks, fail to adapt to degraded communication link quality, leading to increased transmission errors and packet loss, as they rely on static attributes and lack dynamic adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product and method that dynamically adjust network traffic balance among multiple communication links by receiving performance metrics, determining degradation, assigning weights to links based on error rates, and updating routing tables to route packets through more reliable paths, thereby reducing transmission errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static networking algorithms are used based on link attributes, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to degraded link quality resulting in increased transmission errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link weighting that automatically adjusts based on observed transmission errors. The system transitions from static routing to dynamic routing where link weights are continuously updated based on performance metrics, enabling adaptation to changing link conditions without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring transmission errors on each link and using this information to adjust link weights. The error rate observations feed back into the routing algorithm, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes traffic distribution based on actual link performance
2Reliability
If traffic is distributed across multiple links, then bandwidth and redundancy are improved, but transmission errors increase when some links have degraded quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality weights to different links based on their individual performance characteristics. Instead of treating all links uniformly, the system assigns higher weights to links with lower error rates and lower weights to degraded links, optimizing the overall transmission reliability while maintaining bandwidth utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the weight parameters of links based on observed error rates. When link quality degrades, the weight parameter for that link is reduced, automatically shifting traffic to more reliable links and maintaining effective bandwidth utilization despite individual link degradation
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product, and system for adjusting network traffic balance among a plurality of communication links between a first network node and a second network node on a computing network includes a processor receiving over a computing network from a network device, performance metrics for a plurality of communications links between a first network node and a second network node on the computing network and based on receiving the performance metrics, the processor determines degradation in network performance on at least one of the plurality of communication links. The processor determines a weight for each communication link, associating a lower weight with the degraded link(s), and formulates instructions for an adjusted network traffic balance among the links, based on the weights. The processor transmits the instructions to a network device on the computing network and upon receipt of the instructions, the network device adjusts the network traffic balance among the links in accordance with the instructions.