Granular Dynamic Quota Congestion Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing congestion management mechanisms, such as ECN, are inefficient in handling diverse congestion scenarios and can incorrectly throttle non-contributing traffic, leading to inconsistencies and increased execution times in communication networks, especially as network size increases.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic quota-based congestion management system that determines the available buffer space at a last-hop switch and adjusts packet forwarding based on the response rate, allowing packets to be sent only if they can be accommodated without overwhelming the switch, thereby avoiding congestion and reducing the need for explicit congestion notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing congestion management mechanisms like ECN are used, then congestion can be detected and managed, but non-contributing traffic is incorrectly throttled leading to network inconsistencies and increased execution times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments congestion management by introducing per-buffer quota tracking at the sender node, dividing the monolithic ECN approach into granular buffer-level control. Each buffer has its own quota based on available buffer space at the receiver, allowing precise control of contributing traffic without affecting non-contributing flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by calculating and setting quotas based on available buffer space before traffic is sent. The sender node determines quotas in advance using buffer availability information from the receiver, preventing congestion before it occurs rather than reacting to it afterward.
2Quantity of substance
If buffer space is increased at the last-hop switch to handle more traffic, then network capacity improves, but congestion can still occur and existing mechanisms incorrectly throttle traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the receiver node send buffer availability information back to the sender node. This feedback loop allows the sender to adjust its transmission quota dynamically based on actual buffer conditions at the receiver, enabling efficient use of available buffer space without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The sender node autonomously manages its own transmission quota based on received buffer availability information, without requiring external congestion notifications or manual control. The system self-regulates by having senders independently adjust their transmission rates according to receiver buffer conditions.
3Productivity
If dynamic quota-based control is implemented to accurately manage buffer space, then packet forwarding efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses buffer availability information as an intermediary that bridges the sender and receiver. Instead of complex direct control mechanisms, simple quota calculations based on this intermediary information enable efficient congestion control. The intermediary simplifies the interaction between sender and receiver by providing a clear signal for quota adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for facilitating sender-side granular congestion control is provided. During operation, the first and second processes of an application can run on sender and receiver nodes, respectively. A first buffer on the sender node can be allocated to the first process. For the first process, the system can then identify a second buffer at a last-hop switch of the receiver node. The system can determine, based on in-flight packets, the utilization of the second buffer. The system can also determine a fraction of available space in the second buffer for packets from the first buffer based on the utilization. Subsequently, the system can determine whether the fraction of the available space can accommodate the next packet from the first buffer. If the fraction of the available space can accommodate the next packet, the system can allow the first process to send the next packet to the second process.