Network Path Selection Using Test Data for Dynamic Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transfer systems across networks often face static path issues, which do not account for dynamic speed decreases, security problems, or other network dynamics, hindering the efficient transmission of large data loads.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically selects optimal paths by sending test data through multiple network paths, determining path characteristics, and using delivery parameters to choose the best route for data loads, allowing for dynamic path selection based on historical data and real-time network behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static path is used for data transfer, then the system is simple to implement, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic network conditions such as speed decreases or security problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending test data through multiple network paths before actual data transfer to evaluate path characteristics. This advance testing enables the system to identify suitable paths based on current network conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by preparing path information in advance rather than making complex decisions during data transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary component (the path selection system) that mediates between the data source and destination. This intermediary evaluates multiple paths using test data and selects the optimal path for actual data transfer, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic conditions while keeping the core data transfer mechanism relatively simple
2Measurement precision
If test data is sent through multiple network paths to evaluate path characteristics, then path selection accuracy improves, but the time and resources required for path evaluation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by sending test data through a selected subset of multiple network paths rather than exhaustively testing all possible paths. This approach achieves sufficient path evaluation accuracy to identify suitable paths while reducing the time and computational resources required compared to complete path testing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by adjusting the amount and type of test data sent through different paths based on network conditions and data load characteristics. This allows the system to achieve adequate path evaluation accuracy with optimized resource usage, balancing measurement precision against time consumption
3Productivity
If dynamic path selection is implemented, then data transfer speed and reliability improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary path evaluation using test data before actual data transfer, establishing path characteristics in advance. This preliminary action enables fast data transfer through pre-validated paths while keeping the complexity contained in the path evaluation phase rather than in the data transfer phase itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the data transfer process into distinct phases: path evaluation using test data, path selection based on evaluated characteristics, and actual data transfer through selected paths. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, achieving high data transfer speed while managing system complexity through modular design
4Reliability
If multiple network paths are tested with test data, then network security risks can be identified, but the network load and potential security exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potential harm of exposing multiple network paths into a benefit by using test data to evaluate path characteristics including security attributes. This approach transforms what could be security exposure into an opportunity to identify and select secure paths, making the system more resilient to security threats
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses test data as an intermediary to evaluate network paths without exposing actual data loads to potential security risks. The test data acts as a probe that can safely interact with network paths to gather security information, while the actual data transfer occurs only through pre-validated secure paths
Data Source
AI summary
A system contains a network testing engine that sends test data along different paths of a network between a source and a destination, wherein each path contains a plurality of network nodes, and receives, in response to sending the test data, response data about the paths. The system further contains a network path characteristics engine that determines characteristics of each path based on the response data, and a delivery parameters engine that receives a request for delivery of a data load from the source to the destination and determines, based on the request, delivery parameters. Furthermore, the system contains the source and a path selection engine that determines a selected path of the different paths based on the characteristics of the paths and the delivery parameters, and sends the selected data path to the source, which sends the data load along the selected path to the destination.