Flow Controller Path Selection Using Stratified Cost Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In split architecture networks, existing methods for selecting the optimal path between two communication nodes rely on single numeric cost values, which do not effectively consider multiple relevant criteria such as bandwidth, load, and user access rights, leading to inefficient use of network resources.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where multiple cost factors are identified and stratified into individual cost values using a stratification factor, allowing the flow controller to select the optimal path based on a single cost value that takes into account various criteria like number of inter-switch links, nominal and available bandwidth, and user access rights, using Dijkstra's algorithm for path selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single numeric cost value is used for path selection, then the path selection process is simple, but multiple relevant criteria such as bandwidth, load, and user access rights cannot be effectively considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the path selection process into two distinct phases: (1) calculating multiple separate cost values, each representing a different criterion (bandwidth cost, load cost, access rights cost), and (2) combining these segmented cost values into a single aggregate cost value using weighted summation. This segmentation allows each criterion to be evaluated independently and then integrated, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and multi-criteria consideration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple independent cost values (bandwidth cost, load cost, access rights cost) into a single aggregate cost value through weighted summation. This combining process maintains the simplicity of single-value comparison while incorporating multiple criteria, directly resolving the technical contradiction by unified representation of multiple factors.
2Productivity
If multiple cost factors are considered for path selection, then network resource efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the path selection algorithm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing cost values for each criterion (bandwidth cost, load cost, access rights cost) before the actual path selection. These pre-computed cost values are then combined using a straightforward weighted summation formula, reducing the computational complexity during the path selection moment while maintaining comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation for improved network resource efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional Dijkstra's algorithm is used for path selection, then the algorithm is well-established and easy to implement, but it does not account for multiple optimization criteria simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the traditional Dijkstra's algorithm by changing the cost parameter from a single value to multiple cost values that represent different criteria (bandwidth, load, access rights). The algorithm structure remains familiar and easy to implement, but the cost calculation mechanism is transformed to incorporate multiple parameters through weighted summation, achieving multi-criteria optimization while maintaining implementation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a flow controller for selecting optimal path is provided. A plurality of potential flow paths in the network for a particular pair of source and destination switch ports is determined in a flow controller. A plurality of cost factors associated with each of the plurality of potential flow paths is identified. Individual cost values are determined for each of the identified plurality of cost factors for each of the plurality of potential flow paths by multiplying the identified cost factors by a stratification factor. A single cost value for each of the plurality of potential flow paths is determined based on the determined individual cost values. One of the potential flow paths is selected in the flow controller for the particular pair of source and destination switch ports based upon the determined single cost value.