IP Equal Cost Multi-Path Routing with SLA-Aware Probe Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP equal cost multi-path routing techniques do not effectively account for network characteristics like jitter, packet loss, and delays when selecting paths, potentially violating service level agreements due to reliance on load balancing alone.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using probe packets with responder functionality at each node to timestamp and store information about each hop, allowing the destination to determine network characteristics and identify the best path based on SLA metrics by augmenting the packet payload with node addresses and timestamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If load balancing is used to select equal cost paths, then path selection is simplified and automated, but network characteristics such as jitter, packet loss, and delays are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending probe packets before actual data transmission to measure network characteristics. The probe packets traverse the equal cost paths and collect metrics (jitter, packet loss, delay) at intermediate nodes and the destination, allowing the best path to be selected in advance based on SLA compliance rather than relying solely on load balancing algorithms.
2Productivity
If multiple equal cost paths are used for load balancing, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but it becomes difficult to identify which path was actually traversed by a packet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements in the form of probe packets with embedded path identification information. These probe packets act as mediators to carry metadata about the traversed path (including identifiers of intermediate nodes and timestamps) from the source to the destination, enabling the destination to determine which equal cost path was actually traversed without requiring complex tracking mechanisms.
3Speed
If path selection is based solely on hop count or load balancing metrics, then routing decisions are faster and simpler, but SLA metrics like jitter and packet loss cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where probe packets collect SLA metrics (jitter, packet loss, delay) at each intermediate node and the destination. This feedback information about actual network performance is then used to select the best equal cost path, allowing SLA metrics to be measured and optimized while maintaining the simplicity of ECMP routing decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for identifying a best path from a plurality of equal cost paths while accounting for service level agreement (SLA) metrics are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for routing a packet that has a payload using a node includes obtaining the packet, and adding an address of the node to the payload. Adding the address of the node to the payload creates an augmented packet. The method also includes identifying at least one element to which the augmented packet is to be routed, and providing the augmented packet to that element. In one embodiment, the method also includes storing ingress and egress timestamps associated with the node.