Dynamic TE-LSP Bandwidth Resizing for Network Event Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Statically configured Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Traffic Engineering Label Switched Paths (TE-LSPs fail to adapt to changes in traffic patterns, particularly during network failures, leading to inefficient resource usage and potential network instability due to fixed bandwidth configurations that do not account for bursts in traffic.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic resizing technique for TE-LSPs at a head-end node, triggered by event notifications such as network topology changes, which adjusts sampling and resizing frequencies to quickly adapt bandwidth in response to redirected traffic, entering a Fast Resize state to handle increased traffic and returning to steady state after the event is resolved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If TE-LSP bandwidth is statically configured, then network stability is maintained, but adaptability to traffic pattern changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth adjustment for TE-LSPs by transitioning between steady state and fast resize states based on traffic conditions. The system continuously monitors traffic patterns and automatically adjusts LSP bandwidth allocations, replacing static configurations with adaptive mechanisms that respond to real-time network conditions while maintaining stability through controlled transition protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of TE-LSPs dynamically based on traffic demands. By monitoring traffic patterns and adjusting the bandwidth parameter in response to detected changes, the system enables TE-LSPs to adapt to varying traffic conditions. The invention introduces configurable parameters such as steady state sampling intervals, fast resize thresholds, and maximum bandwidth limits to control the adaptation process.
2Productivity
If TE-LSP bandwidth is increased to handle traffic bursts, then traffic handling capacity is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting traffic pattern changes before they become full-scale bursts. The system monitors traffic trends and proactively adjusts TE-LSP bandwidth allocations in anticipation of increased traffic demands, allowing the network to prepare capacity in advance rather than reacting after congestion occurs. This prevents the need for excessive over-provisioning while maintaining adequate capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring traffic patterns on TE-LSPs and using this information to adjust bandwidth allocations. The system measures actual traffic utilization, compares it against thresholds, and automatically adjusts LSP parameters in response. This closed-loop control ensures bandwidth is allocated efficiently based on actual needs rather than static over-provisioning, improving resource efficiency while maintaining traffic handling capacity.
3Device complexity
If static TE-LSP configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but responsiveness to network events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling TE-LSPs to automatically detect traffic pattern changes and adjust their own bandwidth allocations without manual intervention. The system includes autonomous monitoring components that detect traffic changes and trigger automatic resizing operations. This self-managing capability allows the network to respond quickly to events while keeping control plane complexity manageable through standardized automation protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique dynamically resizes Traffic Engineering (TE) Label Switched Paths (LSPs) at a head-end node of the TE-LSPs in preparation to receive redirected traffic in response to an event in a computer network. The novel dynamic TE-LSP resizing technique is based on the detection of an event in the network that could cause traffic destined for one or more other (“remote”) head-end nodes of one or more TE-LSPs to be redirected to an event-detecting (“local”) head-end node of one or more TE-LSPs. An example of such a traffic redirection event is failure of a remote head-end node or failure of any of its TE-LSPs. Specifically, the local head-end node maintains TE-LSP steady state sampling and resizing frequencies to adapt the bandwidth of its TE-LSP(s) to gradual changes in the network over time. Upon detection of an event identifying possible traffic redirection, the local head-end node enters a Fast Resize (FR) state, in which the sampling and resizing frequencies are increased to quickly adapt the TE-LSP bandwidth(s) to any received redirected traffic.