Multicast Load Balancing via Virtual Channel Mapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Load balancing of multicast IPTV channels over equal cost multicast paths (ECMPs) is unbalanced using simple algorithms, leading to complex and resource-intensive network management operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and network device for multicasting IPTV channels that select and map virtual IPTV channels to multicast paths, adjusting the number of virtual channels based on loading profiles to achieve balanced traffic distribution, using processor-executable instructions and Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM) join messages to manage network traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple algorithms are used for channel distribution, then device complexity is reduced, but load balancing performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgorithm complexityVSAvoidload balancing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a load balancer as an intermediary component between the multicast source and ECMP paths. This load balancer receives channel distribution requests, determines appropriate ECMP paths based on loading profiles, and forwards requests accordingly. This intermediary approach enables sophisticated load balancing without requiring complex algorithms in every network device, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where network devices report loading profiles to the load balancer, which then uses this information to make informed routing decisions. The load balancer continuously monitors and adjusts ECMP path selection based on real-time loading conditions, enabling effective load balancing while keeping individual device algorithms relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If complex network management operations are used to balance load, then load balancing performance is improved, but use of energy and computational resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload balancing performanceVSAvoidnetwork management resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By concentrating load balancing intelligence in a dedicated load balancer intermediary, the patent avoids distributing complex management operations across all network devices. The load balancer handles the computational burden of analyzing loading profiles and making routing decisions, while other devices can operate with simpler local logic, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining load balancing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables network devices to automatically report their loading profiles and receive routing instructions without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach allows the network to dynamically adapt to changing conditions while minimizing the need for resource-intensive manual network management operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traffic is concentrated on fewer ECMP paths, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of network traffic distribution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting management complexityVSAvoidtraffic distribution balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The load balancer intermediary monitors the loading profiles of multiple ECMP paths and dynamically selects appropriate paths for distributing multicast traffic. This ensures that traffic is spread across multiple paths according to current network conditions, maintaining reliable traffic distribution while keeping individual device routing logic relatively simple through the use of the load balancer's decision-making capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9571895B2Load balancing multicast network traffic using virtual channels

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method and system for multicasting Internet-protocol television (IPTV) channels is disclosed. In order to receive desired IPTV channels, a first-hop router (FHR) may send a join message to a last-hop router (LHR) establishing multiple paths across a backbone network. The join message may specify mapping at least one virtual IPTV channel to a plurality of multicast channels, along with the desired IPTV channels. The multicast channels may then be transmitted in a round-robin manner over the multiple paths from the LHR to the FHR. A number of virtual IPTV channels may be modified in response to determining a loading profile over the multiple paths to maintain a balanced load among the multiple paths.