Dynamic Surrogate Hierarchy for Distributed Switch Packet Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for distributing packets in a distributed switch often result in suboptimal performance due to fixed surrogate levels, leading to either low bandwidth and poor performance from excessive routing to lower surrogate levels or unnecessary overhead from inadequate routing to higher surrogate levels, as they do not dynamically adjust based on real-time performance statistics.
Innovation Solution
A software management system that monitors performance statistics such as waiting time, nodal bandwidth, and throughput to dynamically adjust surrogate nodes and levels, designating the most performant switch elements as surrogates and altering the surrogate hierarchy to optimize packet distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed surrogate levels are used for packet distribution, then system configuration is simple, but performance is suboptimal due to either low bandwidth from excessive routing to lower surrogate levels or unnecessary overhead from inadequate routing to higher surrogate levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic surrogate level adjustment by continuously monitoring performance metrics (bandwidth, latency, packet loss) and automatically reconfiguring the surrogate hierarchy. The system transitions from static fixed surrogate levels to dynamic adaptive surrogate levels that respond to real-time network conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple configuration and optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring performance metrics from the distributed switch network and using this information to adjust surrogate level configurations. The feedback loop collects data on bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss, then feeds this information back to the control algorithm that determines optimal surrogate levels, enabling continuous performance optimization without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If surrogate nodes are dynamically adjusted based on real-time performance statistics, then packet forwarding efficiency is optimized, but system complexity increases due to monitoring and computation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the distributed switch network to automatically monitor its own performance metrics and autonomously adjust surrogate level configurations without external intervention. Each switch element contributes performance data, and the system autonomously computes optimal configurations, reducing the need for complex external monitoring infrastructure while maintaining high packet forwarding efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies multi-functionality by using the existing distributed switch infrastructure to perform both data forwarding and performance monitoring functions. The same switch elements that forward packets also collect performance statistics, and the control algorithm that optimizes surrogate levels also manages other switch configurations, reducing overall system complexity through functional consolidation.
3Reliability
If excessive routing to lower surrogate levels is performed, then packet delivery coverage is comprehensive, but bandwidth is reduced and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of surrogate level selection from fixed to dynamic based on real-time performance metrics. The system adjusts the surrogate level parameter according to monitored bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss rates, optimizing the balance between packet delivery coverage and bandwidth utilization. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the routing parameter to current network conditions rather than using a static configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic surrogate level selection that adapts to changing network conditions. When bandwidth utilization is high or latency is elevated, the system dynamically adjusts to use higher surrogate levels to reduce routing hops. When network conditions are favorable, it can utilize lower surrogate levels for comprehensive coverage, maintaining reliability while optimizing bandwidth utilization through continuous adaptation.
4Device complexity
If inadequate routing to higher surrogate levels is performed, then routing overhead is reduced, but packet distribution performance suffers due to poor bandwidth and excessive latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from performance monitoring to determine when to increase surrogate levels despite the associated routing overhead. By continuously measuring bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss, the system receives feedback that triggers surrogate level adjustments. This feedback mechanism ensures that routing overhead is incurred only when performance metrics indicate it is necessary, optimizing the trade-off between overhead and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic surrogate level adjustment that responds to real-time performance conditions. When monitoring detects poor bandwidth utilization or high latency, the system dynamically transitions to higher surrogate levels to improve packet distribution performance. This dynamic adjustment ensures that routing overhead is managed efficiently while maintaining optimal performance under varying network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, computer program products, and systems to assist in distribution of packets between a plurality of switch elements in a distributed switch, by monitoring an attribute of each of the plurality of switch elements including a first switch element and a first surrogate switch element, the first surrogate switch element in a first level of a hierarchy and configured using a default hierarchy configuration, the default hierarchy configuration forwarding a data frame to at least one of: a destination switch element of the data frame, and a second surrogate switch element, the second surrogate switch element in a second hierarchy level; computing a score, based on the monitored attribute, for each of the switch elements; and upon determining the score of the first switch element is greater than the score of the first surrogate switch element, designating the first switch element as the first surrogate switch element.