Packet Rate Shaping via Leaky Bucket Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiservice data networks face challenges in efficiently allocating resources to accommodate diverse communication services with varying data rate requirements, such as constant bit rate, variable bit rate, and unspecified bit rate traffic profiles, due to limited bandwidth and the need for prioritization of network resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for packet rate shaping using a switching device that classifies data packets by class of service (CoS) or egress port, employing a leaky bucket algorithm to schedule transmission times and manage token counts, ensuring data packets are transmitted at specified rates, thereby enforcing traffic profiles and optimizing resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data networks allocate resources to accommodate diverse communication services with varying data rate requirements, then service quality and reliability are improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases and resource allocation complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic into different classes (CBR, VBR, UBR) with distinct profiles, allowing independent resource allocation strategies for each class. This segmentation enables the network to handle diverse service requirements without managing all traffic uniformly, reducing overall allocation complexity while maintaining service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes traffic parameters by specifying different data rate characteristics (constant, variable, or unspecified) and burst time parameters for different service classes. This parameterization allows the network to adapt resource allocation to specific service requirements without increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If data networks enforce strict constant bit rate transmission for voice communications, then service reliability is improved, but network bandwidth utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation where the network can switch between strict CBR enforcement and more flexible transmission modes based on network conditions. The leaky bucket algorithm dynamically controls packet transmission rates, allowing voice traffic to maintain reliability when needed while permitting bandwidth efficiency when network conditions allow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data rate parameter from strictly constant to variable within controlled bounds using the leaky bucket algorithm. This allows voice communications to maintain acceptable quality while adapting transmission rates to available bandwidth, improving overall utilization efficiency.
3Productivity
If data networks allow variable bit rate transmission for multimedia services, then bandwidth utilization efficiency is improved, but service quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring traffic profiles with minimum and maximum data rate parameters and burst time limits before traffic transmission begins. The leaky bucket algorithm uses these pre-set parameters to control variable rate transmission, ensuring that even though rates vary for bandwidth efficiency, service quality remains consistent within defined boundaries.
4Productivity
If data networks implement comprehensive traffic classification and rate shaping mechanisms, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having traffic sources self-identify their class and characteristics, allowing the network to automatically apply appropriate rate shaping parameters without complex manual configuration or intensive processing. The leaky bucket algorithm automatically enforces rate limits based on pre-configured profiles, reducing processing overhead while maintaining allocation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of a method and system for packet rate shaping may include an MMU that enables classification of one or more packets based on a CoS and/or an egress port, and transmission of the packets in accordance with a specified packet rate based on the classification.