Packet Flow Reassignment in Bundled Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communications networks face challenges in managing bandwidth requirements when a single T1 or E1 link is insufficient, as upgrading to higher speeds like T3 or E3 is often economically infeasible or not available, leading to underutilization of links and a lack of ready solutions for intermediate bandwidth needs.
Innovation Solution
A packet switching device distributes packet flows across multiple groups, including physical links or queues, and reassigns them when one group becomes unavailable, maintaining associations to ensure continuous delivery without requiring adjustments at the receiver, using hashing functions and distribution tables to evenly redistribute packet flows among active links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple slower rate links are aggregated to provide intermediate bandwidth, then bandwidth requirements are met without expensive T3/E3 upgrades, but link utilization becomes inefficient when one link fails and packet flows must be reassigned
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes distribution tables and hashing functions that map packet flows to specific links before failures occur. When a link fails, the pre-computed distribution information enables immediate reassignment without disruption, maintaining continuous service while optimizing utilization across remaining links.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic packet flow reassignment where the distribution of packet flows across links is not fixed but can be adjusted in response to link failures. The system dynamically updates routing decisions based on real-time link availability, allowing efficient utilization of remaining links while maintaining service continuity.
2Reliability
If packet flows are redistributed when a link becomes unavailable, then continuous delivery is maintained, but the complexity of managing distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packet switching device autonomously manages packet flow redistribution using built-in distribution tables and hashing functions. The system self-adjusts routing decisions without external intervention, automatically detecting link failures and reassigning flows based on pre-established criteria, thereby maintaining continuous delivery while containing management complexity within the device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors link availability and uses this feedback to trigger appropriate redistribution actions. When a link fails, the feedback mechanism activates the reassignment process using distribution tables, ensuring continuous delivery while managing complexity through automated feedback-driven control.
3Ease of operation
If prior associations between packet flows and links are maintained, then receiver adjustments are avoided, but flexibility in optimizing bandwidth utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining different association policies for different packet flows. Critical flows that require strict association continuity are preserved with their original links, while less critical flows are allowed to be reassigned to optimize utilization. This selective approach maintains ease of operation for essential flows while enabling flexibility where beneficial.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, packet flows are distributed among groups, such as, but not limited to, queues or links. For example in the context of a bundled interface in which multiple links appear as a single logical interface on each of the sender and receiver, packet flows are distributed among these multiple links by the sender. When one or more links become unavailable, packet flows of the affected links are reassigned to other active links, while packet flows assigned to the unaffected links remain associated with the same link in contrast to prior systems which do not attempt to preserve prior associations between packet flows and links. By maintaining these associations, the receiver of the packets does not need to adjust to the different arrival links of packet flows.