Enhanced Transmission Selection Scheduler Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bandwidth management in network fabrics is limited by the reliance on only eight traffic classes, which restricts the granular control and scalability in allocating bandwidth, especially when dealing with millions of unique virtual local area networks (VLANs).
Innovation Solution
Implementing an enhanced Enhanced Transmission Selection (ETS) scheduler that allocates bandwidth based on VLAN IDs instead of traffic classes, allowing for more precise control and distribution across millions of VLANs, thereby increasing the flexibility and efficiency of bandwidth utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bandwidth allocation is based on eight traffic classes, then the system maintains simplicity in bandwidth management, but the granular control and scalability are limited when dealing with millions of unique VLANs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth allocation mechanism into two hierarchical levels: (1) VLAN-level bandwidth allocation using VLAN IDs as the primary segmentation key, and (2) traffic class-level allocation within each VLAN using the existing eight traffic classes. This segmentation allows millions of VLANs to be managed independently while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying traffic class structure, resolving the contradiction between management simplicity and allocation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to bandwidth allocation by adding VLAN ID as an additional allocation layer above the traditional traffic class dimension. Instead of allocating bandwidth solely across eight traffic classes (one dimension), the system now allocates bandwidth across VLANs (first dimension) and then across traffic classes within each VLAN (second dimension). This dimensional expansion enables millions of VLANs to be managed with granular control while preserving the simplicity of the original traffic class mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bandwidth is allocated to millions of unique VLANs, then granular control and scalability are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth allocation mechanism into two hierarchical levels: (1) VLAN-level bandwidth allocation using VLAN IDs as the primary segmentation key, and (2) traffic class-level allocation within each VLAN using the existing eight traffic classes. This segmentation allows millions of VLANs to be managed independently while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying traffic class structure, resolving the contradiction between management simplicity and allocation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the bandwidth allocation system universal by designing it to handle both scenarios: (1) When few VLANs exist, the system can allocate bandwidth across VLANs with multiple traffic classes per VLAN, and (2) When many VLANs exist, the system efficiently manages each VLAN independently. The same bandwidth allocation mechanism universally serves both million-VLAN scenarios and traditional limited-VLAN scenarios, preventing complexity escalation while maintaining scalability.
3Productivity
If unused bandwidth in one VLAN is dynamically reassigned to others, then network efficiency is improved, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic bandwidth reassignment at the VLAN level while maintaining static or semi-static allocation at the traffic class level. The system dynamically monitors unused bandwidth in each VLAN and reallocates it to other VLANs that need additional capacity, creating a dynamic adaptation layer above the relatively static traffic class structure. This dynamic mechanism improves network efficiency without requiring complete reconfiguration of the underlying traffic class management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the bandwidth allocation system continuously monitors bandwidth utilization across all VLANs and automatically reassesses allocation needs. When a VLAN has unused bandwidth, the system receives feedback about this surplus and reallocates it to VLANs with deficits. This feedback-driven approach enables efficient bandwidth utilization while keeping the control mechanism manageable through automated decision-making rather than manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
IEEE 802.1Q and Enhanced Transmission Selection provide only eight different traffic classes that may be used to control bandwidth in a particular physical connection (or link). Instead of relying only on these eight traffic classes to manage bandwidth, the embodiments discussed herein disclose using an Enhanced Transmission Selection scheduler that permits a network device to set the bandwidth for an individual virtual LAN. Allocating bandwidth in a port based on a virtual LAN ID permits a network device to allocate bandwidth to, e.g., millions of unique virtual LANs. Thus, this technique may increase the granular control of the network fabric and its performance.