Network Device Path Information Collection for Congestion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Active Queue Management mechanisms in networks lack the ability to obtain path information, such as hop count and latency, of data packets, which are crucial for optimizing congestion control and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for obtaining path information of a data packet by calculating the total hop count and latency based on source and destination addresses, using techniques like Time To Live values and mapping relationships between addresses and hop counts, allowing network devices to determine packet dropping policies and transmission rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If random packet dropping is used in AQM mechanism, then congestion is alleviated, but path information (hop count, RTT) cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a path information collection mechanism as an intermediary between packet forwarding and congestion control. This mechanism collects hop count and RTT information from packets passing through the network, storing it in a path information table that can be queried for congestion control decisions, thereby obtaining path information without disrupting normal packet flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-collecting and storing path information (hop count, RTT) for various destination addresses in a path information table before congestion control is needed. When congestion occurs, the AQM mechanism can immediately query this pre-collected information to make informed packet dropping decisions
2Productivity
If TCP congestion control algorithm is used to adjust congestion window, then sending rate matches bandwidth, but path information is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using collected path information (hop count, RTT) to adjust congestion control parameters. The AQM mechanism queries the path information table to obtain current path characteristics and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust packet dropping probabilities, enabling the network to adapt to changing path conditions and optimize throughput
3Reliability
If path information collection is implemented, then congestion control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the congestion control function into two independent parts: (1) normal packet forwarding which continues to operate as before, and (2) path information collection and storage which runs separately. This segmentation allows the path information mechanism to be added without fundamentally changing the core forwarding logic, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for obtaining path information of a data packet. One example method includes receiving, by a network device, a data packet transmitted in a network, and obtaining, by the network device, path information of the data packet from a source end to a destination end, where the path information is a total hop count of routers passed through by the data packet from the source end to the destination end or a latency of the data packet from the source end to the destination end.