Hash-Based Traffic Distribution in Multihomed Network Edge Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multihoming technologies in computer networks, specifically for multihomed sites connected to multiple provider edge routers, fail to fully utilize multiple attachment circuits for load balancing, as they typically operate in an active/standby mode, limiting the distribution of traffic and preventing the formation of layer-2 loops.
Innovation Solution
Implementing active/active multihoming techniques where edge devices compute hashes on packet addresses to determine the appropriate virtual circuit for forwarding, allowing all attachment circuits to be active while preventing layer 2 loops, by using a two-label stack and hash functions to select the correct virtual circuit for packet forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active/standby multihoming is used to prevent layer-2 loops, then loop prevention is achieved, but traffic distribution is limited to a single active link
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic flow by computing hashes on packet addresses to determine which attachment circuit should forward the packet. This segmentation allows multiple attachment circuits to be active simultaneously while maintaining loop prevention through deterministic packet forwarding decisions based on hashed address values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of attachment circuits from a single active/standby configuration to multiple active states. By using hash functions to determine forwarding paths, the system enables all attachment circuits to operate actively while still preventing layer-2 loops through controlled packet distribution based on computed hash values.
2Productivity
If multiple attachment circuits are made active for load balancing, then traffic distribution is improved, but layer-2 loop formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where edge devices compute hashes on packet addresses and use the results to determine forwarding decisions. This feedback loop ensures that packets are consistently directed to the appropriate attachment circuit, enabling load balancing while preventing loop formation through deterministic forwarding based on hashed values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hash functions as intermediaries between packet addressing and forwarding decisions. These hash functions act as mediators that transform packet addresses into deterministic forwarding instructions, enabling multiple active attachment circuits to operate safely without causing layer-2 loops through controlled packet distribution.
3Reliability
If manual configuration is used to control active attachment circuits, then loop prevention is achieved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables edge devices to autonomously determine which attachment circuit should forward packets by computing hashes on packet addresses. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration of active attachment circuits, as the system automatically makes forwarding decisions based on deterministic hash computations performed locally at each edge device.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an edge device of a core network may receive a plurality of packets from a peripheral network having a plurality of active connections to the core network, where each packet has a destination address and a source address. The edge device may compute a hash on the destination address or the source address of each packet, and determine whether the computed hash corresponds to the edge device. In response to the computed hash not corresponding to the edge device, the edge device may drop the packet, and in response to the computed hash corresponding to the edge device, the edge device may process the packet to forward the packet, where the dropping and processing load balances the plurality of packets over the active connections and prevents formation of loops in the core network.