Network Controller Multicast Tree Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in efficiently managing and administering multicast streams due to increasing complexity and volume of data, with existing configurations not being entirely satisfactory for simplifying and facilitating network deployments.
Innovation Solution
A network device with processors, interfaces, and memory that performs a method involving sending a multicast replication capacity value to a network controller, receiving labels for a label-switched multicast tree, and replicating multicast streams on designated interfaces, while forming a multicast tree based on network topology, link load levels, and multicast replication capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multicast replication methods are used in complex networks, then multicast streams can be transmitted, but the system complexity and difficulty of administration increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary component that centralizes the management of multicast trees. The controller receives replication capacity values from network devices, computes optimal multicast trees, and distributes assignment messages to designate replication points. This mediator approach separates the complexity of tree computation from individual network devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full multicast transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes replication capacity values as key parameters that characterize each network device's ability to handle multicast replication. By computing the shortest spanning tree based on these parameters and dynamically assigning replication points according to capacity constraints, the system optimizes multicast delivery while adapting to varying network conditions and device capabilities.
2Productivity
If more network components are added to handle increased data volume, then data transmission capacity increases, but the difficulty of administering the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller serves as a centralized intermediary that manages multicast tree computation and replication point assignment across the entire network. It collects replication capacity information from all network devices, computes optimal trees, and automatically distributes assignment messages. This centralized control mechanism simplifies administration by providing a single point of control rather than requiring manual configuration of multiple distributed components.
Solution Approach 2:
Network devices automatically provide their replication capacity values to the network controller, and the controller automatically computes and distributes replication assignments. The system enables self-configuration where devices report their capabilities and the controller autonomously determines optimal replication points, eliminating the need for manual administrative intervention in configuring multicast capabilities as the network scales.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing multicast configurations are used, then basic multicast functionality is provided, but the system does not fully simplify network deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller performs preliminary computation of the shortest spanning tree based on replication capacity values before actual multicast traffic is transmitted. By pre-computing optimal tree structures and pre-assigning replication points based on device capabilities, the system prepares the network in advance for efficient multicast deployment, simplifying the actual deployment process rather than requiring complex real-time configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent computes the shortest spanning tree using replication capacity values as weighting parameters, rather than using uniform or static routing metrics. This parameter-based approach allows the system to adapt tree computation to actual device capabilities, optimizing multicast delivery paths and replication points according to real network conditions, thereby simplifying deployment while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system is provided. The information handling system includes an ingress network device receiving a multicast stream from a coupled source device and a first and a second egress network device. The first and second egress network devices each receive the multicast stream for coupled destination devices. The information handling system also includes a plurality of intermediate network devices by which the ingress network device is coupled to the first and second egress network devices to form a network and further includes a network controller. The network controller has a topology of the network in a memory and forms a multicast tree based on the topology as well as a link load level and a multicast replication capacity associated with links to the first and second egress network devices and to each of the plurality of intermediate network devices.