Network Node Traffic Shaping for MP2P Burst Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer networks face significant strain due to traffic bursts in Multipoint-to-Point (MP2P) configurations, where buffers at nodes along the network become overwhelmed, leading to congestion and inefficiencies, as existing solutions primarily focus on application-layer responses that correct bursts after they occur rather than preventing them.
Innovation Solution
A node in the network dynamically applies traffic shaping to MP2P traffic bursts by forwarding packets below a configurable threshold at a controlled pace and storing packets above the threshold for delayed forwarding, using a combination of traffic shaping and store-and-forward processes to manage burst traffic effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic shaping is applied to MP2P bursts, then buffer overruns are prevented, but packet delivery delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting burst conditions before they cause buffer overruns and applying traffic shaping proactively. The node monitors traffic patterns and preemptively shapes bursts according to predefined policies, preventing buffer overruns before they occur rather than reacting after damage is done.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic shaping mechanism dynamically adjusts packet forwarding based on real-time burst detection. The system transitions between different forwarding modes (normal forwarding vs. shaped forwarding) based on the detected traffic conditions, allowing the network to adapt its behavior dynamically to prevent buffer overruns while minimizing delay impact.
2Reliability
If application layer re-broadcast is used, then burst correction is achieved, but the burst has already occurred and re-broadcast adds latency
Solution Approach 1:
Unlike application layer re-broadcast which corrects bursts after they occur, this invention applies traffic shaping at the network layer before bursts cause problems. The node detects and shapes bursts preemptively, correcting the issue before the burst reaches problematic levels, thereby eliminating the latency inherent in post-burst re-broadcast approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node acts as an intermediary between the burst source and the destination, applying traffic shaping in the middle of the transmission path. This intermediary approach allows real-time control of burst traffic without requiring re-broadcast from the application layer, reducing latency while maintaining burst correction effectiveness.
3Productivity
If buffers are increased to handle bursts, then traffic capacity increases, but network complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing buffer size, the system changes the parameter of traffic shaping to manage bursts. By applying traffic shaping policies that control packet forwarding rates during bursts, the system achieves effective burst handling without requiring larger buffers, thereby avoiding the complexity and resource consumption associated with buffer expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical approach of increasing buffer capacity with a control-based approach using traffic shaping. Rather than relying on larger buffers to absorb bursts, the system uses intelligent control mechanisms to regulate traffic flow, substituting physical buffer expansion with software-based traffic management.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a node receives traffic sent from one or more sources toward one or more destinations (e.g., Multipoint-to-Point, MP2P traffic). The node may detect a burst of received traffic based on one or more characteristics of the burst traffic, and, in response, may dynamically apply traffic shaping to the burst traffic. The traffic shaping is adapted to forward burst traffic received below a configurable threshold at a configurable pace and to drop burst traffic received above the configurable threshold. In addition, the node may also store the burst traffic dropped by traffic shaping, and forwards the stored burst traffic toward its destination after a configurable delay.