Dynamic Route Selection for Policy-Based Network Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Policy-based networks with multiple paths between a source and a destination often fail to optimize throughput due to link saturation and varying topology, leading to dropped data or delayed information, especially in tactical networks where such losses can be critical.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically analyze real-time traffic information to select an alternate route for data packets, even if it means relaxing Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, rather than dropping the packet, by using a routing engine and traffic shaper to identify and utilize suitable alternate routes in a network's forwarding table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the network uses policy-based routing with strict QoS requirements, then the quality of service is maintained, but network throughput is reduced due to packet drops on saturated links
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts routing decisions based on real-time link status. When a link becomes saturated, the routing engine automatically switches from strict policy-based routing to alternative routes, adapting the routing behavior to current network conditions rather than following fixed policies
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameter selection criteria based on link saturation detection. When saturation is detected, the system transitions from selecting routes based solely on QoS policies to selecting routes based on availability and alternative path quality, effectively changing the optimization parameter
2Reliability
If the network drops packets on saturated links, then QoS requirements are maintained, but data loss increases and retransmissions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of link saturation into a beneficial routing decision opportunity. Instead of treating saturation as a reason to drop packets, the system uses saturation detection to trigger alternative route selection, transforming the problem into a solution that maintains flow continuity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network uses multiple paths, then route flexibility increases, but network optimization fails due to inability to utilize alternate paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where link saturation status is continuously monitored and fed back to the routing engine. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to changing network conditions by dynamically selecting alternate paths, thereby utilizing the available route flexibility to improve overall network utilization
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a data packet at a routing engine of a node of a network. A route is selected, from a forwarding table of the node, for sending the data packet from the node to a destination of the data packet. The forwarding table includes route characteristics, including route costs, related to two or more routes from the node to the destination. The selected route is analyzed, by a hardware computing device, to determine whether the selected route is suitable to convey the data packet based on real-time traffic information. The data packet is returned to the routing engine if the selected route is determined unsuitable to convey the data packet. An alternate route is selected, from the forwarding table, for the data packet in place of the previous selected route if the previous selected route is unsuitable to convey the data packet.