Hierarchical FIB Path Mapping for Active Traffic Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional networking technologies struggle to distinguish between active and inactive paths within a network and determine traffic load distributions across those paths, hindering effective traffic engineering and load-balancing decisions.
Innovation Solution
The system identifies active paths within a network based on information stored in Forwarding Information Bases (FIBs) and calculates traffic load distributions across these paths, enabling informed traffic engineering and load-balancing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional networking technologies are used, then network infrastructure is maintained, but the ability to distinguish active paths from inactive paths and determine traffic load distributions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network devices monitor and report path status and traffic load information back to the system. This enables continuous updating of FIB entries with current path availability and load distribution data, allowing the system to maintain accurate real-time visibility into network path states and traffic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as path monitoring modules and information gathering mechanisms that act as mediators between the network paths and the FIB. These intermediaries collect detailed path status and traffic load information, process it, and feed it into the FIB structure, enabling the system to distinguish active from inactive paths and measure load distributions without disrupting existing network operations.
2Measurement precision
If hierarchical FIB with path information is implemented, then traffic load distribution determination is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the FIB into hierarchical levels, with different components storing different types of information. The FIB is divided into entries that contain path identification fields, status indicators, and load distribution data. This segmentation allows the system to manage complex path information in an organized manner, where each segment of the FIB handles specific aspects of path management, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds new dimensions to the traditional FIB structure by incorporating path status dimensions and traffic load distribution dimensions. Instead of a flat FIB structure, the system implements a multi-dimensional FIB that includes active/inactive path states and load distribution metrics across multiple paths. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive path management while maintaining a structured approach to handling the increased information complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A disclosed method may include (1) identifying a route installed in a Forwarding Information Base (FIB) of a network device included in a network, (2) identifying a plurality of active paths that lead from the network device to a destination device of the route installed in the FIB, (3) determining a load distribution of the plurality of active paths by calculating a plurality of traffic loads that represent amounts of traffic that traverse from the network device to the destination device via the plurality of active paths, and (4) making a trafficking decision in connection with the plurality of active paths based at least in part on the load distribution of the plurality of active paths. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.