Network Packet Distribution via Layer 2-3 Field Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trunk distribution technologies in communication networks lead to inefficient bandwidth usage and packet delivery out of order due to uneven traffic distribution across trunked ports, causing congestion and delays, and existing algorithms fail to adapt to changing network conditions.
Innovation Solution
Modifying fields within the Layer 2 section of a packet based on information from the Layer 3 section and restricting the trunking distribution process to only consider the modified Layer 2 section, allowing for dynamic adaptation of hashing algorithms to ensure even traffic distribution and ordered packet delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packets are distributed across multiple trunked ports using traditional hashing algorithms, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but packets may be delivered out of order causing network protocol failures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the trunk group into multiple logical queues, with each queue associated with a specific output port. Packets are assigned to queues based on flow identification, ensuring all packets from the same flow are directed to the same queue and ultimately the same port, preserving packet order while distributing different flows across multiple ports for improved bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary classification of packets into flow-specific queues before transmission. By identifying flows early and assigning them to specific queues/ports in advance, the system ensures packets arrive in order without requiring complex reordering mechanisms at the destination, while still enabling parallel transmission across multiple ports.
2Reliability
If traffic flows are concentrated on fewer ports to maintain packet order, then packet delivery reliability is improved, but bandwidth utilization decreases due to port congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The trunk group is segmented into multiple logical queues, each dedicated to a specific output port. This segmentation allows the system to maintain packet order within each queue while distributing different flow segments across multiple ports, thereby utilizing available bandwidth without compromising delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each queue is assigned specific quality characteristics (dedicated to a particular port), allowing packets within that queue to be transmitted with guaranteed order preservation. Different queues can simultaneously operate with different characteristics, enabling overall system optimization where each local segment maintains reliability while contributing to global bandwidth utilization.
3Device complexity
If traditional hashing algorithms are used for packet distribution, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but distribution evenness deteriorates under certain traffic patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary flow identification and classification before applying distribution logic. By pre-processing packets to identify flows and assign them to specific queues, the invention achieves even distribution across ports without requiring complex real-time hashing calculations for each packet, maintaining implementation simplicity while improving distribution evenness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for distributing data across a network including a plurality of trunked port lines, including modifying an existing field within one layer of a data packet on the basis of information found within another layer of the data packet and restricting the process of trunking distribution to only consider the modified layer. In an exemplary embodiment, a method and a system for improving packet data distribution across a communication network environment is provided that changes a field within the Layer 2 (L2) section of the packet on the basis of fields within the Layer 3 (L3) section of the packet. This may involve changing the destination Media Access Control (MAC) address on the basis of the destination IP address and limiting the trunk distribution determination to the L2 section of the packet data.