Load Balancing Value in Transport Conduit Packet Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet switching systems face challenges in effectively load balancing packet flows within transport conduits like tunnels and pseudo wires, as they rely on standard routing parameters, limiting the ability to distribute traffic efficiently across networks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a load balancing value independent of standard routing parameters into encapsulated packets, using a new field or adapting existing fields like the MPLS label stack, to selectively route packets and microflows through networks, allowing for more flexible and efficient traffic distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard routing parameters are used for load balancing, then routing simplicity is maintained, but traffic distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load balancing function by introducing a separate load balancing value field that is independent of standard routing parameters. This allows routing decisions to be separated into routing path selection (using standard parameters) and load balancing (using the new field), enabling efficient traffic distribution without complicating the overall routing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a load balancing value as an intermediary element that mediates between standard routing parameters and actual traffic distribution. This value is carried within the packet (in a new field or adapted existing field) and enables midpoint routers to perform load balancing without requiring complex modifications to standard routing protocols.
2Productivity
If packets in a tunnel follow the same path, then path consistency is maintained, but network load balancing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different packets or microflows within the same tunnel to have different load balancing values, enabling them to take different paths through the network. This provides fine-grained control where path selection can be customized for different flows while maintaining overall tunnel functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics into path selection within tunnels by using load balancing values that can vary between packets and microflows. This allows the network to dynamically adjust path distribution based on current conditions while still maintaining tunnel encapsulation and end-to-end connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new field is added to encapsulated packets for load balancing, then load balancing flexibility is improved, but packet structure complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the load balancing value field to work across different tunnel types and network configurations. The same mechanism can be applied to various encapsulation protocols and network architectures, providing flexible load balancing without requiring protocol-specific modifications for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing a load balancing value as a new parameter in the packet structure. This parameter can be set to different values to control load balancing behavior, providing flexibility without fundamentally changing the packet structure or requiring complex reconfiguration of existing fields.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are, inter alia, methods, apparatus, computer-readable media, mechanisms, and means for load balancing manipulation of packet flows within a transport conduit (e.g., a tunnel, pseudo wire, etc.), typically using a load balancing value which is independent of standard routing-based parameters (e.g., source address, destination address, source port, destination port, protocol type, etc.). A load balancing value is included in encapsulated packets transported across a network using a transport conduit. This load balancing value can be used to load balance the individual flows/microflows within the transport conduit.