Network Element Load Balancing via Data-Count Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication network load-balancing methods face challenges in efficiently distributing traffic across multiple network links, often resulting in non-uniform traffic distribution, high bandwidth requirements, and convergence issues, especially when handling dynamic traffic patterns and high-bandwidth packet-flows.
Innovation Solution
A network element with multiple output ports and circuitry that monitors data-counts for each port to select the optimal output port for packet transmission, distributing traffic based on data volume, line-rates, and predefined rules, ensuring even distribution and adaptability to changing traffic patterns without requiring extensive state information or large buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional load-balancing methods are used to distribute traffic across multiple network links, then traffic distribution is achieved, but convergence issues occur and traffic distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by having each network element autonomously monitor its own output port data-counts and make local forwarding decisions without requiring global synchronization or complex coordination protocols. This eliminates convergence issues while achieving uniform traffic distribution through simple local feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring data-counts at each output port and using this information to adjust packet forwarding decisions. The feedback loop operates locally at each network element, allowing dynamic adaptation to traffic patterns without global convergence problems.
2Productivity
If existing load-balancing methods are implemented, then traffic distribution is achieved, but high bandwidth requirements and complex state information are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for load balancing - the data-counts at each output port - while discarding unnecessary global state information. This extraction allows the system to achieve effective traffic distribution with minimal state requirements, reducing device complexity significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the load-balancing function into local operations at each network element, where each element independently monitors its own port counts and makes forwarding decisions. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex centralized control or global state sharing, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If traditional forwarding schemes are used, then packet transmission is achieved, but latency increases and flexibility for dynamic traffic patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the forwarding decisions to adapt in real-time based on current traffic conditions and port availability. The system dynamically adjusts packet routing based on monitored data-counts, enabling low latency transmission while accommodating dynamic traffic patterns without fixed rigid forwarding rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A network element includes multiple output ports and circuitry. The multiple output ports are configured to transmit packets over multiple respective network links of a communication network. The circuitry is configured to receive from the communication network, via one or more input ports of the network element, packets that are destined for transmission via the multiple output ports, to monitor multiple data-counts, each data-count corresponding to a respective output port, and is indicative of a respective data volume of the packets forwarded for transmission via the respective output port, to select for a given packet, based on the data-counts, an output port among the multiple output ports, and to forward the given packet for transmission via the selected output port.