Application Server Network Link Bonding for Message Ordering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional channel bonding methods are typically performed below the TCP level, limiting their use at the application server level and failing to efficiently manage message ordering and bandwidth distribution across multiple physical links, especially under partial or complete network failures.
Innovation Solution
The method establishes a logical link at the application server level, allowing dynamic bandwidth management, link redundancy, and flow control by multiplexing application data messages across physical links, reordering messages, and automatically recovering failed connections and retransmitting lost messages, effectively treating multiple physical links as a single logical link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If channel bonding is performed below the TCP level using multiple transceivers in parallel, then communication rate is doubled, but TCP message reordering handling becomes complex and application-level bandwidth management is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the bonding manager or virtual device driver) between the application and the physical TCP connections. This intermediary handles the complexity of message distribution, reordering, and retransmission across multiple physical links, while presenting a simple single-socket interface to applications. The intermediary buffers incoming messages from multiple channels and reassembles them in the correct sequence before delivering to the application, thus resolving the contradiction between high throughput and ordering complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple physical links are bonded into a single logical link, then bandwidth is increased and redundancy is provided, but dynamic bandwidth management and connection recovery become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the bonding manager automatically monitors the health and performance of each physical link, dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation, and recovers from failures without external intervention. The system continuously probes link status, detects failures, and automatically redistributes traffic to healthy links. It also implements automatic retransmission of lost messages and dynamic reconfiguration of the bonded interface, making the system self-healing and easing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional channel bonding is used, then parallel communication channels achieve adequate sustained message transfer rates, but application servers cannot efficiently manage message ordering and bandwidth distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer of abstraction by introducing virtual sockets or virtual device drivers that operate above the physical TCP level. This additional dimension allows applications to manage bandwidth and message ordering at the application server level while maintaining the benefits of parallel physical channels. The virtual interface provides application-controlled bandwidth allocation and message sequencing capabilities that were previously unavailable, enabling adaptive bandwidth management without sacrificing sustained transfer rates.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing network link bonding and management is presented. At least one physical link is established between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. A logical link is established at an application server level between the first endpoint and the second endpoint, the logical link including said at least one physical link. At least one physical link is used to provide communications between the first endpoint and the second endpoint. Messages are distributed among the physical links and the received messages are ordered into a single stream for the higher layer application.