In-band Notification for Network Traffic Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network traffic management systems face challenges in dynamically adapting to rapid changes in traffic profiles, leading to packet drops and inefficiencies, particularly in high-frequency trading applications where latency is critical.

Innovation Solution

An in-band messaging scheme is implemented, where network components notify each other of changes in incoming traffic profiles, allowing them to dynamically adjust parameters and settings proactively, enhancing the service chain configuration to handle increased traffic effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If traditional out-of-band notification systems are used to notify network devices of traffic profile changes, then network devices can be informed of changes, but the notification process is too slow and causes packet drops during high-frequency traffic changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotification speedVSAvoidpacket delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the traffic notification function with the existing data plane by embedding OAM information directly into data packets. This eliminates the need for separate out-of-band notification channels and allows network devices to receive traffic profile change notifications through the same path as data traffic, achieving both high speed and reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by embedding OAM information in advance within data packets before traffic profile changes occur. This allows downstream network devices to anticipate upcoming traffic changes and proactively adjust their configurations, preventing packet drops before they happen rather than reacting after changes occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If service chain configuration is rebuilt to optimize for new traffic patterns, then optimal service can be provided, but latency increases and packets are dropped during the rebuild process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice chain adaptabilityVSAvoidservice chain rebuild time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling network devices to dynamically adjust their service chain configurations in real-time based on embedded OAM information. Instead of static, periodic rebuilds, devices can continuously adapt to changing traffic patterns by processing OAM data as it arrives in data packets, maintaining optimal service without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing advance notice of traffic profile changes through embedded OAM information. This allows network devices to prepare and adjust their configurations proactively before traffic changes occur, eliminating the need for reactive rebuilds that cause latency and packet loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If network devices dynamically adjust settings to handle traffic changes, then service quality improves, but the adjustment process causes temporary packet loss during high-frequency trading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic handling efficiencyVSAvoidpacket delivery reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by embedding OAM information that notifies network devices of upcoming traffic profile changes before they occur. This allows devices to pre-adjust their settings and buffer allocations in advance, handling traffic increases smoothly without the temporary packet loss that occurs with reactive adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring traffic patterns through embedded OAM information and using this feedback to dynamically adjust network device settings. The feedback loop operates at the data plane level, allowing real-time optimization that maintains packet delivery reliability while improving traffic handling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3815314B1Network traffic optimization using in-situ notification system
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP3815314B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3815314B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3815314B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosed technology address the problems of manually identifying and optimizing service function chaining (SFC) performance in response to changes in traffic profiles. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes monitoring, by a first network component, incoming data packets; detecting, by the first network component, a change in a traffic profile of the incoming data packets; generating, by the first network component, in-band information on changes in the traffic profile; and transmitting, by the first network component, the in-band information with one or more data packets of the incoming data packets, the in-band information being used by a second network component to adjust one or more corresponding settings for servicing the incoming data packets.