Packet Switching Node Burst Distribution for Bandwidth Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Ethernet and packet switching technologies face scalability issues due to inefficient bandwidth utilization and resource management, particularly in dynamic environments, where solutions like MPLS-TP/PBB-TE and OBS require complex control planes and lack efficient contention resolution mechanisms, leading to suboptimal performance in next-generation networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating packet switching nodes that assembles packets into bursts with a burst control packet to maintain sequence, allowing distribution across multiple links, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage and reducing resource wastage by dynamically selecting links for transmission based on available bandwidth and service level agreements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packets are distributed across multiple links for transmission, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but packet ordering becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments packet flows into bursts that can be independently distributed across multiple links. Each burst is a discrete unit that maintains internal packet ordering while allowing inter-burst parallel transmission across different links, thus resolving the contradiction between bandwidth utilization and packet ordering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces burst control packets as intermediaries that carry sequence information and control metadata. These control packets act as mediators between the distributed transmission paths and the reordering requirement, enabling packets to be distributed across multiple links while maintaining observable ordering at the destination
2Ease of manufacture
If flow level granularity is used for traffic distribution, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth filling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static flow-level distribution to dynamic burst-level distribution. Bursts can be dynamically created, merged, and distributed based on real-time link availability and traffic conditions, enabling more efficient bandwidth filling while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized burst operations
3Productivity
If complex resource management is implemented for optical burst switching, then capacity efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal burst structure and control mechanism that can operate across multiple link types and network conditions. The burst control packet format and distribution logic serve multiple functions including sequencing, flow identification, and transmission control, reducing the need for separate complex management systems while maintaining capacity efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A packet switching node is coupled by links to other nodes of a network, and receives and assembles packets belonging to a specified packet flow, into bursts of packets with a burst control packet indicating a sequence of the burst in the flow. The node determines whether to distribute the flow across several links. If so, the bursts are then forwarded for switching to the output ports of the selected links. Distributing the flow over multiple links can enable more flexible and efficient filling of allocated bandwidth on links, as traffic increases. To reduce the risk of losing the order of packets the sequence of the bursts is indicated for use in reordering at intermediate nodes during transmission through the network.