Dynamic Network Traffic Rate Limiting via Aggregated Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network traffic rate control methods, such as equal allocation, fail to adaptively adjust the data rate allowed for intermediary devices based on the fluctuating network traffic they receive, leading to potential overwhelming of destination devices and unnecessary rate limiting due to non-uniform traffic distribution across devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a traffic rate manager that measures and aggregates data rates from multiple routers, compares them to the destination device's capacity, and dynamically imposes rate limits on each router to prevent overwhelming, allowing each router to adjust its data transmission rate based on its received traffic and the aggregate rate, with excess traffic being buffered or dropped if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If equal allocation of rate control is imposed on all intermediary devices, then destination devices are protected from being overwhelmed, but network efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary rate limiting when traffic distribution is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements individual rate control for each intermediary device based on its specific traffic characteristics. The rate control manager monitors traffic patterns per device and applies customized rate limits rather than uniform allocation, allowing devices with lower traffic to operate at higher rates while maintaining protection for the destination device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts rate limits in real-time based on changing traffic conditions. The rate control manager continuously monitors traffic flow and modifies rate allocations adaptively, transitioning from static equal allocation to dynamic personalized rate control that responds to actual network conditions.
2Device complexity
If equal allocation of rate control is imposed on all intermediary devices, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates as the system cannot adjust to non-uniform traffic distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the rate control manager continuously monitors traffic flow from each intermediary device and uses this information to dynamically adjust rate limits. The system receives traffic flow information, processes it through a decision algorithm, and applies appropriate rate control, creating a closed-loop adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables intermediary devices to effectively self-regulate their traffic flow based on dynamically assigned rate limits. Each device operates under its own customized rate constraint determined by the system based on its individual traffic characteristics, allowing autonomous adaptation without manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for rate limiting network traffic are provided. A plurality of network devices may receive network traffic and route the network traffic to a destination. Rate limits may be imposed on the output rate of the plurality of network devices. The rate limits may be adjusted as the flow of the network traffic changes.