Link Group Selection Using Concealed Header Fields
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for distributing traffic across link groups in data packet networks are inefficient when there is little variety in the fields of delivery headers, leading to poor distribution and packet discard issues, especially with tunneled packets.
Innovation Solution
A network node method that selects a link from a link group based on the fields of a concealed original header within a tunnel header, rather than relying solely on the tunnel header fields, to ensure more even traffic distribution across parallel links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traffic distribution is based on delivery header fields, then the distribution function works for packets with variety in header fields, but it fails to provide good traffic distribution when there is little variety in delivery header fields (such as tunneled packets)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the traffic distribution decision from using only delivery header fields to incorporating concealed original header fields. By accessing fields beyond the visible delivery header (such as IP addresses, ports, or other identifiers that are normally hidden within tunneled packets), the system adds a new dimension of differentiation to the distribution key, enabling better load balancing even when delivery headers lack variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism to access and utilize concealed original header fields for distribution decisions. This intermediary allows the network node to peek into or extract information from within the tunneled packet structure without modifying the visible delivery header, thereby enabling sophisticated distribution algorithms to leverage hidden fields for more effective load balancing.
2Device complexity
If known solutions favor a subset of physical links due to lack of header variety, then the distribution function remains simple to implement, but it leads to poor traffic distribution and packet discard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet header into distinct components (delivery header and concealed original header) and applies different processing rules to each. By segmenting the distribution decision process to consider both visible and hidden header fields separately, the system achieves more reliable packet distribution without requiring a complete redesign of the entire forwarding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for traffic distribution from solely delivery header fields to include concealed original header fields. This parameter expansion transforms the distribution key space, allowing the system to differentiate packets more effectively and assign them to appropriate physical links, thereby improving packet delivery reliability while maintaining implementation feasibility.
3Device complexity
If traffic is concentrated on a subset of links, then the distribution algorithm is simpler, but it causes overloading of specific links and underutilization of others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic distribution by utilizing variable fields from concealed original headers that can differ across packets. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively assign packets to different physical links based on the actual content of each packet's hidden fields, creating more balanced load distribution and improving aggregate bandwidth utilization without significant complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for selecting a link of a link group based on contents of a concealed header are disclosed. A network node operating method includes a first network node receiving a packet and concluding that a link group connecting the first network node to a second network node will forward the packet to the second network node. The method further includes determining that the packet includes a tunnel header and an original header concealed by the tunnel header, selecting one link from among a set of parallel links of the link group based at least on one or more fields of the concealed original header, and forwarding the packet to the second network node via the selected link.