Network Device Traffic Regulation via Packet Delay Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices face congestion issues due to accumulating data packets, leading to delays and losses in data transmission, as conventional techniques struggle to accurately measure congestion levels, especially in complex networks with multiple input and output queues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor and regulate data traffic by measuring the time spent by packets in the network device, using a regulator to label packets for dropping, suppressing, or temporary stopping based on configured criteria, such as weighted average time spent in queues, to manage congestion effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data packets are accumulated in buffers to maximize buffer utilization during congestion, then buffer utilization is improved, but congestion assessment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from queue length to packet delay time. By measuring the time packets spend in queues rather than counting queue lengths, the system can accurately assess congestion levels even when buffers are fully utilized, as delayed packets will show increased transit times regardless of buffer fullness.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If queue length is measured to determine congestion level, then congestion detection is implemented, but measurement accuracy deteriorates in complex networks with multiple queues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having network devices measure packet delay times and use this information to regulate incoming traffic rates. The measured delays are fed back to adjust traffic admission, creating a closed-loop control system that accurately reflects actual congestion conditions across multiple queues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of packet delay times before making congestion determination decisions. By measuring the time packets spend in queues during normal operation, the system builds an accurate picture of congestion levels before threshold breaches occur, enabling proactive congestion management.
3Quantity of substance
If data packets are evenly distributed in buffers during congestion, then buffer utilization is maximized, but congestion magnitude assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from measuring queue length (number of packets) to measuring packet delay time (time spent in queue). This parameter change allows accurate congestion magnitude assessment even when packets are evenly distributed throughout buffers, as the delay time reflects the actual time packets are held regardless of their spatial distribution.
4Productivity
If conventional congestion control techniques are used, then packet dropping is implemented, but transmission delay increases due to queue formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary congestion control by measuring packet delay times and regulating traffic admission before queues become full and packets must be dropped. By proactively adjusting traffic rates based on delay measurements, the system prevents congestion buildup that would cause packet loss and excessive delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables packets to skip through the network device more quickly by regulating incoming traffic to match outgoing capacity. This prevents queue formation and allows packets to pass through with minimal delay, effectively making the network device appear as if packets are rushing through without accumulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for controlling a packet passing through a network device are provided. The method includes timestamping the packet with an arrival time when it arrives at the network device, and determining the time the packet spends in the network device. The time spent is calculated by comparing the arrival time stamp and the exit time stamp. Subsequently, the packet is labeled, based on a function of the determined time spent in the network device. The packet can be labeled, to be dropped, suppressed or temporarily stopped. The system for controlling the packet passing through the network device comprises the means for performing the above mentioned steps.