Multi-Path Network Packet Ordering via Reverse Acknowledgement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-path networks face issues with packet ordering and duplication, leading to performance degradation due to mis-ordered and duplicated packets, especially under high network traffic loads, as existing solutions like Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and dynamic routing can cause packet reordering and duplication, which are not effectively managed by external mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically routing data packets across a multi-path network with embedded packet ordering functionality, where each network element maintains link channels exclusively assigned to packets with matching ordering requirements until acknowledgement is received, and dynamically allocates links to ensure in-order delivery, using a proprietary multi-path network architecture with Bridge Fabric Switches (BFSs) and Fabric Protocol Data Units (FPDUs) to maintain packet ordering and adapt to local congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dynamic routing is used to improve network bandwidth utilization, then network throughput increases, but packet ordering is compromised leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path into multiple link channels, with each channel dedicated to maintaining packet order for specific source-destination pairs. This allows dynamic routing at the network level while preserving packet ordering through dedicated ordering channels, resolving the contradiction between throughput improvement and ordering reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ordering mechanism within the network fabric that acts as a mediator between dynamic routing and packet delivery. This intermediary layer tracks packet sequences and ensures proper ordering is maintained even when packets traverse different physical paths, enabling both high throughput and reliable ordering.
2Reliability
If RSTP is used to preserve packet ordering, then packet delivery reliability improves, but network adaptability and bandwidth utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link channel allocation where the network can adaptively assign and reassign link channels based on current traffic conditions and packet ordering requirements. This dynamic approach allows the network to maintain packet ordering reliability while simultaneously adapting to changing traffic patterns and maximizing bandwidth utilization, unlike static RSTP configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If external packet ordering mechanisms are used, then implementation simplicity improves, but network performance under high load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges packet ordering functionality directly into the network fabric by integrating ordering mechanisms with the switching and routing infrastructure. This combination eliminates the need for separate external ordering mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while improving performance under high load through coordinated processing of routing and ordering functions within the network core.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of preserving packet ordering in a multi-path network having a plurality of network elements interconnected by network links wherein for each data packet arriving at an egress port of the multi-path network, a delivery acknowledgement is issued by the egress port and is transmitted across the network following in reverse the path taken by the data packet being acknowledged, and wherein the state of each link in the path taken by the data packet being acknowledged is updated by the acknowledgement. The present invention further provides a multi-path network for use in a bridge, switch, router, hub or the like, the multi-path network comprising a plurality of network ports; a plurality of network elements; and a plurality of network links interconnecting the network elements and the network ports for transporting data packets, each network egress port including acknowledgement means for issuing a delivery acknowledgement in response to receipt of a data packet and each network element being adapted to transmitted a delivery acknowledgment in the opposite direction along the path taken by the data packet being acknowledged and being further adapted to update the state of at least one of the network links to which it is connected in response to receipt of an acknowledgement. The invention further provides an Ethernet bridge or router incorporating such a multi-path network.