Traffic Engineering in Information-Centric Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer networks face complexity and cost issues in managing large networks, particularly due to the decoupling of control and data forwarding planes, which can lead to inefficient traffic engineering and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in a network element configured to operate in an information-centric network (ICN) that receives test traffic flows, emulates the network state, measures the impact of candidate paths, selects optimal paths, and constructs forwarding rules based on these measurements to optimize traffic engineering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data forwarding is decoupled from control decisions and network intelligence is centralized in software-based controllers, then network management flexibility and programmability are improved, but system complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into forwarding elements that handle only packet forwarding and control elements that handle routing and resource management decisions. This separation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving flexibility while managing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control elements as intermediaries between source nodes and destination nodes. These control elements mediate the communication by handling interest packets, determining resource allocation, and managing the information flow, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If conventional routing protocols are used for network control, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but traffic engineering efficiency and resource allocation optimize poorly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary resource allocation and path selection before actual data transmission occurs. Control elements pre-determine resource allocation and establish forwarding rules based on predicted traffic patterns, improving traffic engineering efficiency by preparing the network state in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where control elements monitor network conditions and adjust resource allocation dynamically. This feedback loop enables continuous optimization of traffic engineering by adapting to changing network states and traffic demands.
Data Source
AI summary
A method implemented in a network element (NE) configured to operate in an information centric network (ICN) including receiving a test traffic flow as a copy of a traffic flow in a forwarding plane of the ICN during a defined interval, emulating the ICN at a state determined at an arrival time of the test traffic flow based on an active traffic flow in the ICN, measuring a first impact of a first candidate path for the test traffic flow in the emulated ICN to the active traffic flow, selecting the first candidate path based on the first impact measurement, and constructing a forwarding rule based on the state and the selection of the first candidate path.