Network Flow Rate Control via Conditional Packet Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems fail to effectively control and regulate the rate of network flows, leading to potential congestion and uneven data transmission rates, which can result in delays and jitter in network traffic.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that measure the composite rate of network flows, set thresholds for each flow, and conditionally discard or mark packets to maintain the rate within predetermined limits, ensuring that the average transmission rate does not exceed a fraction of the threshold, thereby controlling network flow rates and preventing congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If network flow rates are not controlled, then data transmission can proceed at high speed, but congestion and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively measures composite flow rates and sets thresholds before congestion occurs. By continuously monitoring and comparing against predetermined thresholds, the system prevents congestion rather than reacting to it, allowing high-speed transmission while maintaining reliability through advance rate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where flow rates are measured, compared against thresholds, and used to control packet transmission. This closed-loop approach ensures that transmission rates are dynamically adjusted based on actual network conditions, preventing congestion while maintaining optimal speed.
2Productivity
If packet discarding is used for rate control, then flow rate can be regulated, but transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding packets, the system changes the transmission parameter by setting flow rate thresholds and controlling packet transmission based on measured composite rates. This allows rate regulation through parameter adjustment rather than packet loss, maintaining efficiency while achieving flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-regulating flow control where the network device automatically measures rates, compares thresholds, and controls transmission without external intervention. This self-service approach regulates flow rates through intelligent decision-making rather than inefficient packet discarding.
3Reliability
If random packet discards are used, then congestion is avoided, but transaction time variance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies differentiated control to different packet transmissions based on measured flow rates and threshold comparisons. Rather than uniform random discards, the system implements localized rate control that maintains consistent transaction times while avoiding congestion through intelligent, non-random packet transmission decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
By measuring composite flow rates and setting thresholds in advance, the system prevents congestion before it occurs, eliminating the need for reactive random discards that cause transaction time variance. The preliminary rate control ensures consistent and predictable transmission timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program product are provided for controlling the rate of a network flow. In use, a rate of a network flow is monitored. In addition, it is determined whether the rate exceeds a threshold. Further, at least a portion of the network flow is conditionally discarded or marked, based on the determination.