Layer 2 Frame Distribution for High-Bandwidth Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current layer 2 network protocols, such as link aggregation, are limited in their ability to enhance throughput for large data transfers as they do not allow segmentation or reordering of frames, restricting the distribution of a single conversation across multiple links, which is essential for high-bandwidth applications like broadcasting and movie industries.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that modifies transmitted frames according to predefined policies, allowing them to be distributed across multiple links within a layer 2 network, using a transmission policy holding section and a transmitted frame control section to manage and modify header information, enabling multi-link operations compatible with existing NIC setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If link aggregation is used to aggregate multiple communication links, then the network bandwidth is increased, but the ability to distribute a single conversation across multiple links is lost due to constraints on segmentation and frame modification
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments a single conversation into multiple frames that can be distributed across multiple communication links. The transmission policy holding section divides the conversation data into manageable units, allowing each frame to be sent through different links simultaneously, thereby achieving both high bandwidth and multi-link distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies frame parameters including destination MAC address, source MAC address, and VLAN tags according to transmission policies. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system can route different frames of the same conversation through different links while maintaining proper ordering and identification at the receiving end.
2Productivity
If traditional link aggregation standards are used, then compatibility with existing network infrastructure is maintained, but throughput per conversation cannot be improved due to lack of multi-link distribution support
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a transmission policy holding section and transmitted frame control section as intermediary components between the conversation handling layer and the physical communication links. These intermediaries manage the complex tasks of frame segmentation, policy application, and multi-link distribution, thereby improving throughput while containing complexity in dedicated control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically applies transmission policies to different conversations based on their requirements. The transmitted frame control section can modify frame parameters in real-time according to the specific conversation's transmission policy, enabling flexible multi-link distribution adapted to different application needs without requiring complex static reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If a 40 Gbps network is deployed to meet high bandwidth demands, then throughput requirements are satisfied, but the cost increases significantly compared to using multiple 10 Gbps links
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple communication links (e.g., four 10 Gbps links) to function as a single high-capacity channel capable of handling 40 Gbps throughput. By aggregating the bandwidth of multiple lower-cost links, the system achieves the performance of an expensive 40 Gbps link while using more economical hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple copies of the same conversation data distributed across different links simultaneously. Instead of requiring a single expensive 40 Gbps link, the invention transmits replicated frames through multiple 10 Gbps links in parallel, achieving the same throughput capability at lower cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a communication apparatus, including: a transmission policy holding section configured to hold transmission policies each corresponding to a conversation; and a transmitted frame control section configured to modify transmitted frames of the conversation in accordance with the corresponding transmission policy held by the transmission policy holding section.