Network Packet Broker Segregation for SLA Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Network Packet Brokers (NPBs) and taps do not adequately ensure that data packets meet Service Level Agreement (SLA) parameters, nor do they comply with the capabilities and requirements of monitoring tools and the network, potentially detrimental to high-quality communication sessions like voice or video, and may cause congestion or packet loss.
Innovation Solution
The method involves segregating data packets into original and replicated packets, prioritizing original packets with SLA requirements through queuing and de-queuing techniques such as shaping, buffering, and load balancing, and managing traffic to meet SLA parameters and comply with monitoring tool and network capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data packets are processed without segregation and prioritization, then network monitoring tools can process all packets uniformly, but SLA parameters for original packets cannot be ensured and packet loss may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data packets into two distinct categories: original packets and replicated packets. This segmentation is achieved through classification logic that identifies packet types, allowing different processing paths to be applied to each category. Original packets are routed through priority queues with SLA guarantees, while replicated packets are handled separately, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring SLA compliance and maintaining simple processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing differentiated service qualities to different packet types. Original packets receive high-priority processing with SLA parameter guarantees (bandwidth, latency, jitter), while replicated packets receive standard processing. This localized quality differentiation ensures that critical packets meet their SLA requirements without unnecessarily complicating the processing of all packets uniformly.
2Reliability
If original packets are prioritized through queuing and de-queuing, then SLA parameters can be met, but processing complexity and potential delays for replicated packets increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate queuing structures for original and replicated packets. Original packets are placed in priority queues that are serviced first, ensuring they meet SLA timing requirements. Replicated packets are placed in standard queues that are serviced when priority queues are empty or have lower urgency. This segmentation of queuing mechanisms ensures that prioritization of original packets does not cause unnecessary delays to replicated packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous processing of packets by ensuring that while original packets are being prioritized, replicated packets continue to be processed in parallel through separate queues. The system does not idle waiting for original packets to complete processing before handling replicated packets, thus maintaining continuity of useful action and minimizing overall processing time for all packets.
3Productivity
If replicated packets are processed without compliance checks, then processing speed is maintained, but monitoring tool requirements and network integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing compliance checks specifically for replicated packets based on their destination monitoring tools' requirements. Each monitoring tool can have specific capability requirements (bandwidth, packet types, protocols), and the system checks replicated packets against these requirements before forwarding. This targeted compliance checking ensures network integrity for replicated packets without slowing down the overall processing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where monitoring tool capabilities and requirements are communicated back to the NPB. The NPB uses this feedback information to adjust its processing and compliance checking of replicated packets. This feedback loop ensures that replicated packets are processed with appropriate compliance checks tailored to each monitoring tool's specific requirements, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements and methods for improving data communication in a network are disclosed. The method includes receiving data packets and segregating the data packets into at least original packets and replicated packets. The method also includes prioritizing original packets having service level agreement (SLA) requirements, the prioritizing is performed with respect to at least one of queuing and de-queuing such that SL parameters for the original packets met.