In-Network Computation for Edge Congestion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current edge computing environments face challenges in effectively managing network congestion, particularly due to limited compute, storage, and memory resources at edge devices, which can lead to latency and performance issues in handling workload execution and packet transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing in-network computation (INC) aware congestion control and flow control techniques across the network fabric, utilizing programmable switches and devices that perform line-rate processing with minimal latency, balance network bandwidth with computation, and retain quality of service by attaching contextual information to packets and determining how received data is interpreted based on queue utilization and bitrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If in-network computation is implemented at edge devices, then processing capability and workload execution are improved, but compute resources and memory capacity are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network fabric into multiple domains, each with its own congestion control mechanisms. This allows distributed computation to be organized into manageable segments, enabling edge devices to perform local processing while maintaining overall system resource balance through domain-level resource management and isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by attaching contextual information (such as compute requirements, memory needs, and priority levels) to packets. This enables multi-dimensional resource allocation and congestion control that considers not just network bandwidth but also edge device compute and memory resources, allowing intelligent routing and processing decisions.
2Speed
If edge devices handle more workload execution, then service proximity to endpoints is improved, but latency and performance issues worsen due to resource constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary congestion control by embedding contextual information about compute requirements and resource needs into packets before they reach edge devices. This allows edge devices to prepare appropriate processing resources in advance, avoiding latency caused by resource contention and enabling faster workload execution at the network edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback loops where edge devices report congestion status, resource utilization, and processing performance back to network controllers. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of workload distribution and resource allocation, optimizing the balance between service proximity and latency performance.
3Productivity
If network congestion control is implemented, then traffic flow management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops universal congestion control mechanisms that can be applied across different network domains and device types. The contextual information framework and control algorithms are designed to be domain-agnostic, allowing the same principles to manage congestion in data center networks, wide area networks, and edge computing environments, thereby reducing overall system complexity through standardized approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods are disclosed for in-network computation and control of network congestion based on in-network computation delays. An example device includes interface circuitry to access a packet including a header having (1) a destination address field to identify a first network address of a destination device capable of performing an action and (2) a workload class field to identify a workload class associated with the action. The example device also includes programmable circuitry to utilize machine-readable instructions to perform the action at the device based on the workload class field, the device having a second network address that is different than the first network address. Additionally, the example programmable circuitry is to modify an indicator field of the packet to indicate that the action has been performed and cause the interface circuitry to forward the packet with the modified indicator field toward the destination device.