Multi-Path Network Packet Sorting via Destination-Specific Buffer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-path Ethernet networks face congestion issues due to the saturation of single routes, leading to degraded performance and underutilization of resources, especially in data centers, as existing congestion management techniques fail to prevent congestion effectively and often restrict system performance to avoid saturation.
Innovation Solution
A method of sorting data packets in multi-path networks by assigning destination addresses and using separate buffers to isolate packets from congestion, allowing dynamic routing or static routing based on buffer availability and timer thresholds to manage congestion proactively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic routing is used to select optimal paths, then network adaptability is improved, but packet duplication and disordering occur causing congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packets into different queues based on their destination addresses. Packets are divided into first packets (to first destination) and second packets (to second destination), each handled by separate buffering mechanisms. This segmentation prevents mixing of packet streams that would cause duplication and disordering, while still allowing dynamic routing choices for each segment independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different buffering strategies to different packet streams based on their destination addresses. Each destination address or packet group receives tailored buffering treatment - packets to the same destination share a buffer while packets to different destinations are separated. This local quality approach ensures reliable delivery for each stream while maintaining overall network adaptability.
2Productivity
If packets for different egress ports are queued together, then buffer utilization is improved, but congestion affects all packets including those that could use alternative routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet queue into multiple separate buffers, where each buffer is dedicated to packets destined for specific egress ports or destination addresses. Packets for different egress ports are queued in separate buffers rather than mixed together. This allows each buffer to be optimized for its specific destination while maintaining overall buffer utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each buffer is assigned specific local quality characteristics based on its destination - packets to particular destinations are routed to specific buffers with appropriate buffering parameters. This ensures that packets receiving alternative routing options are not unnecessarily delayed by congestion in buffers dedicated to other destinations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If congestion management techniques are applied, then network stability is improved, but system performance is restricted to avoid saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary buffering organization before congestion occurs by pre-segregating packets into destination-specific queues. This preliminary structuring prevents congestion from propagating through the network by ensuring packets are already organized in a way that minimizes conflicts. The system can handle peak loads without needing to restrict performance, as the buffering structure proactively prevents saturation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of sorting data packets in a multi-path network having a plurality of ports; a plurality of network links; and a plurality of network elements, each network element having at least first and second separately addressable buffers in communication with a network link and the network links interconnecting the network elements and connecting the network elements to the ports, the method comprising: sorting data packets with respect to their egress port or ports such that at a network element a first set of data packets intended for the same egress port are queued in said first buffer and at least one other data packet intended for an egress port other than the egress port of the first set of data packets is queued separately in said second buffer whereby said at least one other data packet is separated from any congestion associated with the first set of data packets. The present invention further relates to a method of data delivery in a multi-path network comprising the sorting of data packets in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. The present invention further relates to a multi-path network operable to sort data packets and operable to deliver data in a multi-path network.