Dynamic Weighted Load Balancing for Multicast Routers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load balancing methods in multicast networks, such as PIM-SM, often result in inefficient use of network resources due to static load balancing based on attributes like IP addresses, leading to insufficient quality of service for multicast traffic and underutilization of bandwidth in non-designated routers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic weighted load balancing method where routers exchange messages with designated router priorities and weights, allowing eligible group designated routers to participate in forwarding multicast traffic based on their capacity, adapting to changing network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static load balancing based on IP addresses is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but network resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static load balancing based on IP addresses to dynamic load balancing where routers exchange messages containing designated router priorities and weights. This allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions in real-time, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining implementation simplicity through standardized message exchange protocols.
2Device complexity
If a single designated router forwards all multicast traffic, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth utilization in non-designated routers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single designated router function into multiple eligible group designated routers that can participate in forwarding multicast traffic. By dividing the load across multiple routers based on their weights and capacities, the system maintains protocol simplicity through standardized message exchange while improving bandwidth utilization across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple routers into a collaborative load-balancing system where eligible group designated routers work together to forward multicast traffic. This merging approach allows better utilization of available bandwidth across multiple devices while maintaining protocol simplicity through standardized message exchange and selection processes.
3Loss of energy
If multiple routers participate in forwarding multicast traffic, then bandwidth utilization improves, but router selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces weight parameters and designated router priorities as changeable attributes that routers exchange during message communication. These parameters allow the system to dynamically select appropriate routers based on current network conditions, improving bandwidth utilization while managing selection complexity through standardized parameter-based decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where routers exchange messages containing information about their capacities and current states. This feedback loop enables dynamic router selection based on real-time network conditions, allowing multiple routers to participate in forwarding while managing complexity through automated, information-driven selection processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including receiving, at a first router of a plurality of routers, a first message from the plurality of routers. The first message includes a designated router priority and a weight for each respective router. Based on the designated router priorities, a designated router is elected and a one or more eligible group designated routers are determined. The method determines whether the first router is the designated router or the at least one eligible group designated router. If the first router is the designated router, the first router provides a second message to the remaining routers indicating the eligible group designated routers and their weights.