Network Management Apparatus Intermediate Transmission Rate Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network management techniques struggle to flexibly change transmission rates for groups of flows while ensuring link bandwidth constraints are met, especially when nodes are added or changed, as they often require time synchronization or equal bandwidth allocation, which can lead to communication delays and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A network management apparatus and method that determines and sets intermediate transmission rates for groups of flows to satisfy link bandwidth constraints without requiring time synchronization among nodes, allowing for gradual changes from a start state to an end state while ensuring that the sum of transmission rates does not exceed link capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If transmission rates for groups of flows are gradually changed from start state to end state, then flexibility in rate adjustment is improved, but the sum of transmission rates may exceed link capacity causing communication delay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in rate adjustmentVSAvoidcommunication delay guarantee

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent calculates and determines appropriate intermediate transmission rates before actually changing the rates. The network management apparatus computes the set of intermediate transmission rates that satisfy link capacity constraints, then applies these pre-calculated rates in a controlled sequence. This preliminary calculation ensures that communication delay requirements are met before the rate changes are implemented.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of transmission rates through multiple intermediate states between start and end configurations. Instead of abrupt changes, the system transitions through calculated intermediate transmission rate sets that adapt to current network conditions while maintaining constraint satisfaction. This dynamic approach allows flexible rate adjustment without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If time synchronization is implemented among nodes to change transmission rates simultaneously, then bandwidth constraint satisfaction is improved, but system complexity and synchronization overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth constraint satisfactionVSAvoidsynchronization overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network management apparatus as an intermediary that centrally calculates and coordinates transmission rate changes. This intermediary computes the intermediate transmission rates and manages the transition process, eliminating the need for complex distributed time synchronization among nodes. The central化管理 approach maintains bandwidth constraint satisfaction while reducing synchronization overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If equal bandwidth allocation is used when nodes are added or changed, then fairness is improved, but network utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefairness in allocationVSAvoidnetwork utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different transmission rates to different groups of flows based on their specific requirements and current network conditions. Instead of uniform equal allocation, the system calculates intermediate rates that are tailored to each group's characteristics, achieving both fairness and optimal network utilization. Each group receives appropriate bandwidth allocation according to its needs rather than a blanket equal distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes transmission rate parameters based on network conditions and flow requirements. When nodes are added or changed, the system recalculates intermediate transmission rates that maintain fairness while optimizing overall network utilization. This parameter adjustment approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions without rigid equal allocation constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10797957B2Network management apparatus, network management method, network management system, and program

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 NEC CORP

AI summary

A network management apparatus includes: a determination part that determines, when a set of transmission rates set for a plurality of groups including one or more flows is gradually changed from a start state to an end state, a set(s) of transmission rates used in an intermediate state(s) in such a manner that a constraint(s) on a bandwidth(s) of a link(s) through which a flow(s) passes is satisfied; and a setting part that gradually changes the set of transmission rates set for the plurality of groups from the start state to the end state while using the determined set(s) of transmission rates in the intermediate state(s).