IPTV Load Balancing via Layer 3 Hashing on Aggregate Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network processing technologies in IPTV systems do not effectively balance IPTV channels across aggregate links, leading to inefficient bandwidth utilization and potential service disruptions due to reliance on layer 2 information and MPLS labels, which limits redundancy and quality of service.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in Provider Edge network elements to perform load balancing of IPTV channels based on layer 3 information, using a deep packet inspection module to parse and generate hash values from IP addresses, which determines the optimal member link for transmission, ensuring end-to-end load balancing and efficient bandwidth utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If load balancing is performed based on layer 2 information and MPLS labels, then network element processing complexity is reduced, but bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates and service disruption risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from layer 2 MPLS label-based forwarding to layer 3 IP address-based hashing for load balancing decisions. This dimensional shift enables more granular traffic classification and distribution across aggregate links, improving bandwidth utilization while maintaining network element complexity through standardized layer 3 processing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter used for load balancing from MPLS labels (layer 2) to IP addresses (layer 3). This parameter change allows for more flexible and efficient traffic distribution across multiple member links in an aggregate link, directly addressing the bandwidth utilization efficiency issue
2Reliability
If all packets from a single pseudowire are transmitted over multiple physical links, then redundancy is improved, but packet ordering and quality of service deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic from different pseudowires and applies layer 3 IP address-based hashing to distribute packets across multiple member links. This segmentation approach maintains redundancy by utilizing multiple links while preserving packet ordering within each pseudowire flow through consistent hashing, thereby resolving the contradiction between redundancy and packet ordering stability
3Productivity
If layer 3 processing is performed to enable load balancing, then bandwidth utilization improves, but network element processing complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing layer 3 IP address information that is already present in IPTV packets for multicast routing. By utilizing this readily available layer 3 data for load balancing hashing, the system achieves improved bandwidth utilization without requiring additional processing overhead or complex layer 3 processing functions, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for load balancing IPTV channels is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a first Provider Edge (PE) network element of a label switched network, coupled with a second PE network element over multiple member links of an aggregate link, receives IPTV packets. For each IPTV packet received, the first PE network determines layer 3 information of the IPTV packet, and generates one or more channel load balancing keys based on the layer 3 information. The PE network element generates a hash value from the channel load balancing keys and determines which one of multiple member links to transmit the IPTV packet on based on the hash value, and transmits the IPTV packet to the second PE network element on the determined member link. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.