Network Controller Source Port Mapping for Traffic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional routing methods in communication networks may not always lead to the optimal solution for traffic distribution, as they prioritize shortest paths or minimal cost over other constraints such as latency, which can result in suboptimal network performance due to potential collisions and degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a network controller that obtains traffic information, calculates paths satisfying specific constraints, maps each path to a source port, and allocates traffic based on weights to ensure optimal routing across multiple paths, thereby improving network performance by distributing traffic and reducing collision risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional routing methods select the shortest path or minimal cost path, then routing efficiency is improved, but network performance deteriorates due to potential collisions and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic flows into multiple paths rather than concentrating all traffic on a single shortest path. The network controller divides traffic demands across multiple alternative paths, reducing collision risks on any single path while maintaining overall routing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the routing parameter from solely selecting the shortest path to selecting multiple paths based on various constraints including latency requirements. The system evaluates paths against multiple parameters simultaneously, changing how routing decisions are made to balance efficiency and reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple paths are calculated for traffic flow, then network performance is improved, but the mechanism for allocating traffic to paths based on weights is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller acts as an intermediary that receives path information from the path calculation module and translates it into actionable traffic allocation instructions. It maps paths to source ports and provides weight-based allocation mechanisms, bridging the gap between path calculation and actual traffic distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual traffic allocation mechanisms with an automated system that uses source port mapping and weight-based distribution. The network controller automatically performs the allocation based on calculated weights, substituting what would otherwise require complex manual configuration and management.
3Device complexity
If a single GTP-U tunnel UDP port is used for the entire GTP-U traffic, then device complexity is reduced, but routing flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller provides multi-functionality by managing both the path calculation and the source port assignment in a single system. It universally handles multiple traffic demands across multiple paths while maintaining a single UDP port interface, combining what would otherwise require separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to port management by introducing source port mapping as an intermediate layer between the single UDP port interface and multiple paths. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain interface simplicity while achieving routing flexibility through the mapping dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a network controller for a mobile transport network. The method includes: obtaining traffic information for a plurality of demands for connectivity from client nodes through the mobile transport network, the traffic information for each demand identifying a client node for the demand, an egress node for the demand and an amount of traffic for the demand; calculating, for each demand, one or more paths from the client node, via an ingress node, to the egress node through the mobile transport network; mapping each path for a demand to a source port in the ingress node for the demand; providing the mapping to the ingress nodes to enable routing of traffic pertaining to the demands via the paths, based on the source port; and providing the source ports to the client nodes for inclusion in traffic pertaining to the demands.