Link Aggregation Traffic Routing for Ordered and Relaxed Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
The actual throughput of a link aggregate group often falls short of its theoretical capacity due to the requirement of certain data items being delivered in a particular order, leading to network link imbalances and diminished throughput.
Innovation Solution
Data items are classified based on their content to determine if they qualify for relaxed transmission ordering, with those that do not requiring a specific order being distributed based on available network link capacities and those that do being ordered based on their contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data items are transmitted in a link aggregate group with strict ordering requirements, then transmission reliability is improved, but network link capacity utilization deteriorates due to imbalances and backlogs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data items into different categories based on their ordering requirements. Some data items are transmitted with strict ordering constraints while others allow relaxed ordering, enabling different transmission strategies for different segments of traffic. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing high-reliability transmission for order-sensitive data while maximizing throughput for order-tolerant data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of network links based on current link status and data item characteristics. Instead of static link assignment, the system dynamically adjusts which link transmits which data item based on real-time conditions such as link utilization, backlog status, and data item ordering requirements. This dynamic approach optimizes both reliability and capacity utilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If data items are assigned to network links based on content-based routing, then transmission order is maintained for ordered data, but overall throughput deteriorates due to link imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmission qualities to different data items based on their local characteristics. Data items that require ordering receive strict order preservation treatment, while data items that don't require ordering receive optimized routing for maximum throughput. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying appropriate transmission strategies to each data item based on its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameters (such as ordering constraints, routing decisions, and link selection) based on the characteristics of each data item. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains transmission order stability for required data while optimizing overall throughput through relaxed ordering for tolerant data, thus resolving the contradiction between order stability and throughput.
3Productivity
If all network links in a link aggregate group are utilized, then capacity is maximized, but transmission order stability deteriorates due to out-of-order delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic into ordered and unordered flows, allowing different handling strategies. Ordered flows are managed to maintain stability, while unordered flows are used to maximize capacity utilization without compromising order stability. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of both goals by applying appropriate management to each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification mechanism that determines whether a data item requires ordering before routing decisions are made. This intermediary layer enables the system to maintain order stability for required data while maximizing capacity utilization through relaxed ordering for tolerant data, effectively mediating between the two conflicting requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology related to sending data items via network links in a link aggregate group is disclosed. Data items (such as network packets received via a computer network) can be analyzed to determine whether the data items qualify for a relaxed transmission ordering. If a data item does not qualify for relaxed transmission ordering, then a network link in the link aggregate group can be selected based on contents of the data item (such as by generating a signature or key based on headers of the data item and selecting a network link based on the signature or key). However, if the data item does qualify for relaxed transmission ordering, then a network link in the link aggregate group can be selected based on available capacities of the network links (such as by selecting a network link with a largest available capacity).