Network Element Load Balancing with Statistical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
As networks grow in complexity, managing network traffic efficiently becomes challenging due to the need for effective load balancing and tracking statistics across multiple network nodes, which existing technologies fail to address comprehensively.
Innovation Solution
A network element is designed to create forwarding entries based on load balancing criteria, apply these entries to data packets, and track the usage counts of each entry to facilitate efficient traffic management and statistical analysis, utilizing a system that includes processors, memory, communication interfaces, and forwarding logic to implement user-specified rules and collect statistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network elements track detailed statistics for each forwarding entry to enable precise load balancing, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the statistical tracking function from the core forwarding logic by implementing separate counters that operate independently. Each forwarding entry has an associated counter that tracks packet counts separately, allowing precise statistics collection without complicating the primary forwarding decision-making process. This separation enables the network element to maintain simple forwarding logic while accumulating detailed operational data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple forwarding entries are created for load balancing across network nodes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load balancing function by creating multiple distinct forwarding entries, each targeting a specific network node. Instead of implementing a complex load balancing algorithm, the system divides traffic distribution into separate, manageable forwarding rules. Each entry handles a portion of the traffic independently, making the overall system more adaptable while keeping individual forwarding entries simple and easy to manage.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an indication of a plurality of network nodes and load balancing criteria is received. A plurality of forwarding entries are created, wherein a forwarding entry of the plurality of forwarding entries is based upon the load balancing criteria and corresponds to a network node of the plurality of network nodes. A network element applies the plurality of forwarding entries to data packets to load balance the data packets among the plurality of network nodes. A plurality of counts are tracked, wherein each count corresponds to at least one forwarding entry of the plurality of forwarding entries and represents the number of times the corresponding at least one forwarding entry is used to redirect a data packet.