Network Link Utilization via Bandwidth Overallocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network link utilization is limited, typically below 85%, due to increased packet drops when attempting to maximize network flow, which congestion avoidance algorithms respond to by slowing network flow, making it difficult to achieve close to 100% link utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allocates bandwidth by using a control module to prioritize network flows of different types based on quality of service, where network flows of a first type are assigned a higher quality of service and those of a second type a lower quality, ensuring that the first type always receives priority, and allocating a percentage of bandwidth to both types plus an additional percentage to the second type, resulting in total bandwidth exceeding the available link bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network link utilization is increased, then network efficiency is improved, but the number of dropped packets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network flows into different types (first type and second type) with different quality of service requirements. By dividing the network traffic into segments with different priorities, the system can allocate bandwidth differently to each segment, allowing high utilization while protecting critical flows from packet loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different quality of service levels to different network flows. First type flows receive higher quality of service with priority treatment, while second type flows receive lower quality of service. This localized differentiation allows the network to achieve high overall utilization while maintaining reliability for critical traffic.
2Reliability
If congestion avoidance algorithms slow network flow to prevent packet drops, then packet delivery reliability is improved, but network link utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the control module continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts bandwidth allocation in real-time. The system dynamically identifies first type flows (requiring reliability) and second type flows (tolerant of loss), and adjusts allocation accordingly, allowing the network to adapt to changing conditions and maintain both reliability and utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of bandwidth allocation by percentages - allocating a first percentage of available bandwidth to both flow types, then allocating the remaining bandwidth plus a second percentage to second type flows. This parameter-based allocation allows the system to achieve near 100% utilization while ensuring first type flows receive sufficient bandwidth for reliable delivery.
3Productivity
If bandwidth is allocated to exceed available link bandwidth, then network link utilization approaches 100%, but packet drops increase for lower priority flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by allocating more total bandwidth than the physical link capacity - specifically allocating the remaining bandwidth plus a second percentage to second type flows. This intentional over-allocation creates controlled packet drops only for low-priority second type flows, while first type flows receive guaranteed bandwidth and experience no drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of packet drops into a beneficial outcome by designing the system so that only second type flows experience drops. The packet drops of lower-priority flows actually benefit the system by allowing the link to operate at near 100% utilization while protecting first type flows from any packet loss through priority queuing and sufficient bandwidth allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for achieving high utilization of a network link are provided. A first communication protocol can be selected for transmitting network flows of a first type. A first quality of service can be assigned to network flows of the first type. A second communication protocol can be selected for transmitting network flows of a second type. A second quality of service, lower than the first quality of service, can be assigned to network flows of the second type. A first percentage of available bandwidth can be allocated to the network flows of both the first and second types. The remaining bandwidth, plus a second percentage of available bandwidth, can be allocated to the network flows of the second type, such that the total allocated bandwidth exceeds the available bandwidth of the network link.