Fronthaul Link Aggregation Using eAxC ID for Active-Active Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link aggregation in fronthaul networks lacks entropy in packet headers, leading to active-passive mode operation and inefficient load balancing and resiliency due to identical header fields for different data flows, resulting in wasted network capacity and potential link failures.
Innovation Solution
Introduce an extended antenna-carrier ID (eAxC ID) to create entropy in packet headers using Ethernet QinQ format, allowing unique association of data flows with network identifiers for load balancing and active-active link aggregation, ensuring resilient and efficient traffic distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional link aggregation is used in fronthaul networks, then network connectivity is provided, but load balancing is inefficient and resiliency is reduced due to lack of entropy in packet headers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to packet header identification by incorporating eAxC ID alongside MAC address, VLAN ID, and IP address. This additional dimensional information provides the entropy needed for effective load balancing across aggregated links, transforming the single-dimension identification into multi-dimensional identification that enables both efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the identification parameters used in link aggregation by deriving eAxC ID from antenna and carrier information. This parameter change introduces variability and entropy into the packet headers, enabling the hash-based load balancing algorithm to effectively distribute traffic across multiple active links while maintaining resiliency.
2Device complexity
If identical header fields are used for different data flows, then packet formatting is simplified, but network capacity is wasted and link failures cause service interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet header identification into multiple distinct fields: MAC address, VLAN ID, IP address, and eAxC ID. Each field serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall entropy. This segmentation allows efficient use of existing fields while adding only the necessary eAxC ID component, rather than complicating the entire header structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The eAxC ID serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides entropy for load balancing, identifies the antenna-carrier relationship, and enables flow differentiation. This multi-functionality achieves load balancing and capacity utilization without requiring additional header fields or increasing overall packet complexity.
3Device complexity
If active-passive mode is used for link aggregation, then implementation is simpler, but network resiliency is reduced and capacity is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic link selection and traffic distribution by using hash-based load balancing over multiple active links. The system dynamically determines which active link to use for each data flow based on the hash of the packet header fields, allowing all links to be actively utilized rather than having static active-passive assignments. This dynamic approach maintains simplicity while achieving active-active operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method comprising obtaining an identification of a data traffic for an antenna, associating the obtained identification to a first network identification, assigning the first network identification and a second network identification to the data traffic, performing load balancing for the data traffic using a hash algorithm, wherein the hash algorithms obtains input based on the first network identifier, and transmitting the data traffic using link aggregation.