Network Load Balancing and Packet Re-sequencing via Channel Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network load balancing methods, such as ECMP and per-packet load balancing, face challenges in balancing link loads effectively, leading to low bandwidth utilization and network performance issues due to load imbalance and data packet disorder.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allocate channel identifiers and sequence numbers to packet flows based on forwarding tables and network topology, enabling per-packet load sharing and re-sequencing to balance network link loads and reorder packets correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If per-packet load balancing is used, then bandwidth utilization and load balancing effect are improved, but data packet disorder occurs on receiver side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packets into different groups based on flow identifiers, and assigns each group to different transmission paths. This segmentation allows parallel transmission while maintaining order within each segment, resolving the contradiction between load balancing and packet ordering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of packets into different queues based on flow identifiers before transmission. This preliminary action enables the system to pre-determine transmission paths for different packet groups, ensuring both load balancing and correct reassembly order at the receiver.
2Reliability
If ECMP routing is used, then multi-link load balancing and link backup are achieved, but serious load imbalance occurs between network links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different routing policies to different packet flows based on local conditions. By analyzing flow characteristics and network state, it dynamically selects optimal paths for each flow, achieving both load balancing and high bandwidth utilization while maintaining link backup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic path selection that adapts to changing network conditions. The routing decision is not static but adjusts based on current link loads and flow characteristics, resolving the load imbalance problem while maintaining the benefits of ECMP.
3Quantity of substance
If per-flow ECMP is used, then transmission bandwidth is increased, but load imbalance occurs due to different flow sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the routing parameters dynamically based on flow characteristics and network state. By adjusting path selection parameters according to flow size and current link conditions, it achieves optimal bandwidth utilization and network performance simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for load balancing and packet re-sequencing on a network includes an ingress node that determines an identifier of a destination chip based on a destination address of a packet flow and a forwarding table, allocates, based on the identifier of the destination chip, a channel identifier and a sequence number of each packet that is in the packet flow and that enters a channel, to generate an updated packet flow, where each packet in the updated packet flow includes a packet in a corresponding packet flow, a sequence number of the packet, and the channel identifier, and the updated packet flow is sent in a per-packet load sharing manner.