Network Fabric Application Coupling Data Link Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network fabrics face inefficiencies in data transmission due to underutilization of channels and increased communication latency as the number of network elements grows, with existing solutions like InfiniBand being limited to short distances and lacking application-layer control over data flow allocation.
Innovation Solution
A method for provisioning a network fabric by coupling an application to the data link layer within the OSI model, allowing for definition and configuration of network elements to form a multi-path communication network, enabling efficient data transmission across geographically dispersed devices with fault tolerance and increased throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network fabrics use multiple physical paths to increase throughput, then data transmission capacity is improved, but channel utilization efficiency deteriorates due to lack of optimal routing control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel allocation and routing optimization where the system continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts data flow distribution across multiple physical paths in real-time. This allows the network fabric to adaptively optimize channel utilization while maintaining high throughput, resolving the contradiction between increased productivity and reduced energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms that monitor channel usage patterns and transmission performance, then use this information to dynamically adjust routing decisions and resource allocation. This closed-loop control ensures optimal channel utilization efficiency is maintained while supporting high data throughput across the network fabric.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of network elements increases to expand network coverage, then network capacity is improved, but communication latency worsens due to lack of world view in each node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized or distributed controller that acts as an intermediary, providing each network node with a virtual 'world view' of the entire network topology and state. This mediator enables nodes to make informed routing decisions that minimize latency even as network size expands, resolving the contradiction between increased coverage and reduced transmission time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a logical dimension to physical network topology by creating virtual network views and logical routing layers. This dimensional transformation allows nodes to perceive and optimize across the entire network scope without being constrained by physical distance, maintaining low latency despite network expansion.
3Productivity
If application layer control is added to optimize data flow allocation, then transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional control mechanism that operates at the application layer but integrates with lower protocol layers. This universal controller handles multiple functions including routing optimization, channel allocation, and traffic management in a unified manner, improving transmission efficiency while avoiding the complexity that would result from separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the application layer controller automatically optimizes data flow allocation based on real-time network conditions without requiring manual configuration or complex external management. This autonomous operation improves transmission efficiency while keeping system complexity manageable through automated decision-making algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A network fabric application coupled to a data link layer is provided with access to network elements in an optical fiber network. The network fabric application defines a network fabric configuration comprising at least a subset of the network elements, wherein the network fabric forms a multi-path communication network among the subset. The network fabric is configured to transmit data among networked devices in the network fabric along the multi-path communication network.