Network Utilization via Dynamic Path Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency in utilizing computer networking hardware due to overlapping data transfers by consumers at peak times, leading to excessive taxation of networks and underutilization during other periods, necessitates a solution to optimize network resource allocation and reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A centralized controller dynamically allocates network services based on consumer requests, network topology, and data sensitivity to time, using packet labeling and flow table rules to reconfigure paths and reserve capacity, ensuring efficient utilization by shifting non-time-critical data transfers and honoring priority deadlines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If consumers transfer large volumes of data during the same time periods, then data transfer需求 is met, but network utilization becomes excessive and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network resource allocation where the centralized controller continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts path assignments in real-time. Network paths are dynamically selected based on current utilization levels, allowing the system to adapt to varying traffic demands without requiring excessive peak-capacity hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary network path computation and assigns time-shifted transfer schedules before peak demand occurs. By pre-planning data transfers and scheduling them during off-peak periods when possible, the network avoids congestion during high-demand periods without requiring additional hardware capacity.
2Reliability
If network resources are allocated to accommodate peak demand, then sufficient capacity is available during high-traffic periods, but network utilization is low during off-peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful network action by filling off-peak periods with scheduled data transfers. The system ensures that network resources remain actively utilized throughout the day by scheduling time-shifted transfers during low-utilization periods, eliminating idle time and maximizing continuous productive use of hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic network utilization patterns by scheduling data transfers in cycles that match network demand patterns. Transfers are periodically scheduled during off-peak periods, creating a rhythm of high and low utilization that maximizes overall resource usage while maintaining peak performance when needed.
3Productivity
If data transfers are scheduled flexibly to optimize network utilization, then network efficiency improves, but consumers lose control over transfer timing
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized controller implements feedback mechanisms that monitor consumer preferences and network conditions, then adjusts scheduling decisions accordingly. The system provides feedback to consumers about scheduled transfers and allows them to specify constraints, creating a closed-loop system that balances automated optimization with user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized controller acts as an intermediary between consumers and the network infrastructure. It receives transfer requests from consumers, processes them through the optimization algorithm, and schedules transfers while respecting consumer-defined constraints. This intermediary role allows automated optimization without completely removing consumer control.
4Productivity
If the network is reconfigured dynamically to optimize paths, then network utilization maximizes, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control function into a centralized controller that handles high-level path computation and individual network elements that execute local forwarding decisions. This segmentation allows complex optimization logic to be centralized while keeping individual network devices simple, managing overall system complexity through functional decomposition.
Data Source
AI summary
Greater network utilization is implemented through dynamic network reconfiguration and allocation of network services and resources based on the data to be transferred and the consumer transferring it. A hierarchical system is utilized whereby requests from lower layers are aggregated before being provided to upper layers, and allocations received from upper layers are distributed to lower layers. To maximize network utilization, paths through the network are reconfigured by identifying specific types of packets that are to be flagged in a specific manner, and then by further identifying specific routing rules to be applied in the transmission of such packets. Network reconfiguration is performed on an incremental basis to avoid overloading a path, and capacity can be reserved along one or more paths to prevent such overloading. Background data is agnostic as to specific transmission times and is utilized to prevent overloading due to reconfiguration.