Hierarchical Bandwidth Allocation for Telecommunications Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing admission control methods for telecommunications networks do not scale well with the hierarchical model, as they are limited to services or flows and do not efficiently manage bandwidth allocation in large, growing networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for bandwidth allocation in hierarchical networks that performs admission control on two levels: allocating bandwidth to trunks and then to flows within each trunk, using Committed Information Rate (CIR) and Excess Information Rate (EIR) based on input provisioning data, and dynamically adjusting rate controls to maximize network utilization and ensure Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm is used for all flows in the network, then the network can be managed with simple control logic, but the system does not scale well to hierarchical models and cannot efficiently manage bandwidth allocation in large networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth allocation process into two distinct levels: trunk-level allocation and flow-level allocation. The trunk-level algorithm manages bandwidth for multiple flows collectively, while the flow-level algorithm distributes bandwidth within each trunk. This segmentation enables the system to scale to hierarchical networks while maintaining manageable control complexity at each level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to bandwidth allocation by operating at multiple levels (trunk level and flow level). This dimensional approach allows the system to manage large networks by organizing allocation decisions across different hierarchical layers, transforming a single-level problem into a multi-level structure that scales effectively.
2Reliability
If bandwidth is allocated based on global traffic statistics and provisioned committed bandwidth, then fair bandwidth distribution can be achieved, but the allocation process becomes complex and difficult to implement in hierarchical networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bandwidth allocation process into trunk-level and flow-level segments. At the trunk level, global traffic statistics are used to allocate bandwidth fairly among multiple trunks. At the flow level, the allocated trunk bandwidth is distributed among individual flows. This segmentation maintains fairness while reducing the complexity of implementing global allocation across hierarchical networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The trunk acts as an intermediary between global bandwidth resources and individual flows. The trunk-level algorithm processes global traffic statistics and provisioned committed bandwidth to allocate bandwidth to multiple trunks, which then serve as intermediaries to distribute bandwidth to individual flows at the flow level. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall allocation process.
3Productivity
If the network grows larger, then more bandwidth allocation opportunities arise, but the flat network design becomes impractical and hierarchical segmentation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements hierarchical segmentation of the network topology into core layer and access layer, with trunks aggregating services from multiple access networks. This segmentation allows the network to grow in capacity while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization of network elements into hierarchical layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a flat network design to a hierarchical design by introducing a vertical dimension (core layer and access layer). This dimensional change enables the network to scale to larger capacities while organizing complexity across hierarchical layers rather than requiring complex flat topology management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for bandwidth allocation over a hierarchical telecommunications network having a first hierarchical level of at least two trunks and a second hierarchical level of at least two flows in each trunk, the method including allocating bandwidth to each of the trunks; and separately allocating the bandwidth allocated to each trunk to the flows in that trunk.