Flexible Port Rate Limiting for Network Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
In direct broadband systems, users transmitting at full line speed can consume excessive bandwidth, leading to diminished quality of service for other users, as there is no rate-shaping of traffic arriving at the Internet Service Provider (ISP), resulting in unmanaged bandwidth allocation.
Innovation Solution
A switching device equipped with a parsing module, classification module, bandwidth tracking module, and rate limitation module that classifies packets and selectively limits traffic flow by discarding, asserting flow control, or accepting packets based on bandwidth fullness levels, using algorithms like leaky bucket traffic shaping to manage and apportion available bandwidth among users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If users transmit at full line speed without rate-shaping, then individual user bandwidth is maximized, but overall network quality of service deteriorates due to excessive bandwidth consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rate-limiting that adjusts bandwidth allocation based on network conditions and user behavior. The system monitors traffic patterns and dynamically modifies transmission rates, transitioning from static full-line-speed transmission to adaptive rate-control that maintains quality of service while allowing flexible bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of transmission rate from fixed full-line-speed to variable rates determined by rate-limiting algorithms. By modifying this key parameter dynamically, the system resolves the contradiction between maximizing individual speed and maintaining overall network reliability.
2Device complexity
If no rate-shaping is applied to incoming traffic, then device complexity is minimized, but bandwidth allocation becomes unmanaged and congested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic management into distinct functional modules: parsing modules that classify packets, rate-limiting modules that enforce bandwidth limits, and tracking modules that monitor usage. This segmentation transforms a potentially complex monolithic system into manageable modular components, reducing overall system complexity while improving bandwidth allocation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The rate-limiting system operates autonomously by automatically parsing packets, classifying traffic types, enforcing rate limits, and tracking bandwidth consumption without manual intervention. This self-service capability manages bandwidth efficiently while keeping device complexity minimal through automated operation.
3Ease of operation
If bandwidth is not apportioned among users, then ease of operation is maximized, but network congestion increases and quality of service diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The bandwidth apportionment system operates autonomously, automatically parsing incoming packets, classifying them by type and source, enforcing rate limits, and tracking usage without manual configuration or intervention. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable quality of service through automated bandwidth management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where rate-limiting modules continuously monitor bandwidth consumption and adjust transmission rates accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures quality of service is maintained while keeping operation simple through automated responsive adjustment rather than manual management.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device including an ingress port configured to receive packets from a network device, the received packets having been transmitted by the network device to the switching device in accordance with a transfer rate; a parsing module configured to separate by layer the received packets into parsed packets, wherein the parsed packets include control packets and data packets, and wherein each of the layers of the parsed packets corresponds to a layer one, a layer two, a layer three or a layer four of an open systems interconnection reference model; and a rate limitation module configured to based on the layer of each of the parsed packets, transmit a pause signal from the switching device via the ingress port to the network device to temporarily limit the transfer rate of packets transmitted from the network device to the switching device.