Multicast Traffic Flow Optimization via Automated Network Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network configurations lack effective tools for identifying and addressing multicast traffic performance issues, leading to manual and inefficient troubleshooting processes that are not scalable, resulting in difficulties in pinpointing packet drops and traffic bottlenecks in time to ensure high-quality user experiences, especially with increasing media traffic.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that automatically receives and aggregates multicast traffic statistics, uses a network controller to identify low-performing flows, and performs reconfigurations such as link pruning and multicast tree re-rooting to improve traffic flow quality, reducing packet drops and enhancing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual troubleshooting methods are used to identify multicast traffic performance issues, then network administrators can detect packet drops and bottlenecks, but the process is inefficient and not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically collecting multicast traffic statistics from network switches, analyzing performance metrics, and identifying problematic flows without requiring manual network administrator intervention. The automated system monitors packet drops, bandwidth utilization, and flow performance continuously, allowing the network to self-diagnose and self-report issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical troubleshooting processes with automated electronic monitoring and analysis systems. Instead of network administrators manually examining traffic patterns and switch configurations, the system uses automated data collection, aggregation, and analysis mechanisms to identify performance issues, thereby increasing efficiency and scalability.
2Measurement precision
If multicast traffic is monitored using conventional tools, then some performance data can be obtained, but packet drops and bottlenecks cannot be pinpointed in time to ensure high-quality user experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and analyzing multicast traffic statistics before performance degradation becomes apparent to users. The automated monitoring system proactively identifies trends and potential issues, allowing network administrators to take preventive measures before packet drops significantly impact user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring multicast traffic performance metrics and providing real-time or near-real-time information about packet drops, bandwidth utilization, and flow performance. This feedback loop enables rapid identification and response to performance issues, minimizing the time loss between problem occurrence and detection.
3Reliability
If network reconfiguration is performed manually to resolve multicast performance issues, then specific flows can be optimized, but the process causes network disruptions and is not scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating and implementing network reconfiguration actions based on analyzed performance data. When problematic multicast flows are identified, the system can automatically adjust routing, prune links, or reconfigure switch settings without requiring manual network administrator intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity and potential disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated intermediary system that acts as a mediator between performance monitoring and network reconfiguration. This intermediary analyzes traffic patterns, determines optimal reconfiguration actions, and implements changes in a controlled manner, reducing the complexity and disruption associated with manual reconfiguration processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure relates to systems and methods for improving multicast traffic flows in a computer network. In some aspects, a method of the technology includes steps for receiving multicast traffic statistics from each of a plurality of switches in a computer network, aggregating the multicast traffic statistics into a time-series database, and identifying a low-performing multicast flow based on the time-series database. In some aspects, the method can include steps for automatically reconfiguring the computer network to improve the low-performing multicast flow. Systems and machine readable media are also provided.