IP Network Traffic Flow Simulation and Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to planning IP networks are inadequate due to unpredictable and changing traffic flows, leading to congestion, re-routing of traffic, and inefficient use of protection paths, which complicates network management and capacity planning.
Innovation Solution
A procedure that aggregates packet information from network sources, executes a correlation algorithm to determine traffic flow information, and traces paths to accurately assess and manage IP network traffic, enabling simulation and planning to accommodate dynamic traffic patterns and prevent congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IP networks use self-organizing routing without provider control, then network adaptability and flexibility improve, but traffic predictability and congestion control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network operators collect actual traffic flow data from IP networks and use this information to update planning models. The system continuously monitors traffic patterns, congestion events, and routing changes, then feeds this information back into the planning process to improve future network configurations and capacity allocations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary traffic flow analysis and congestion prediction before finalizing network planning decisions. By simulating various traffic scenarios and identifying potential congestion points in advance, the system can proactively adjust capacity allocations and routing strategies to prevent congestion before it occurs.
2Reliability
If network planners allocate protection paths, then network reliability improves, but protection path utilization efficiency deteriorates due to unpredictable IP traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static protection path allocation to dynamic allocation based on actual traffic conditions. The system continuously monitors traffic flows and adjusts protection path assignments in real-time, allowing protection capacity to be dynamically assigned to different traffic flows based on current network conditions and predicted congestion risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for protection path allocation from fixed, conservative estimates to dynamic parameters based on actual traffic measurements and predictive analytics. By using measured traffic flow data and congestion patterns, the system optimizes protection path utilization while maintaining adequate reliability.
3Device complexity
If aggregate traffic data is used for network planning, then planning simplicity improves, but traffic flow analysis precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments aggregate traffic data into individual traffic flow components for detailed analysis. Instead of treating traffic as a single aggregate stream, the system breaks it down into discrete flows based on source, destination, application, and other characteristics, allowing precise analysis of each flow's behavior, bandwidth requirements, and congestion patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional granularity to traffic analysis by examining traffic flows across multiple dimensions simultaneously (source, destination, time, application, protocol). This multi-dimensional analysis provides precise insights into traffic patterns without significantly increasing planning complexity, as the system integrates these dimensions into a unified planning framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A procedure for evaluating a network, and a system, apparatus, and computer program that operate in accordance with the procedure. The procedure includes aggregating packet information from one or more sources in a network, and executing a correlation algorithm to determine traffic flow information based on the packet information. The aggregating includes obtaining information from a header of a packet being communicated in the network, in one example embodiment. In another example, the executing includes tracing a traffic flow from a source node to a destination node, and the tracing includes determining, based on the packet information, each link by which the traffic flow is communicated from the source node to the destination node.