Packet Transmission via Dynamic Token Bucket Offloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hybrid access technology, the existing token bucket mechanism fails to properly offload packets during traffic bursts, leading to network load imbalance and inefficient use of link bandwidth, as it continues to inject tokens based on committed fixed network bandwidth even when the fixed link is congested, causing packets to be allocated to the congested link instead of the idle mobile link.

Innovation Solution

A packet transmission method that dynamically determines whether to use the first or second link based on the token bucket's token availability and the congestion state of both links, adjusting the token injection rate and offloading packets to the less congested link to ensure proper offloading and balanced network load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the token injection rate is set based on committed fixed network bandwidth, then the fixed network link can maintain stable transmission, but the mobile network link cannot be properly utilized during congestion leading to network load imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed network transmission stabilityVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the token injection rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the token injection rate based on real-time network conditions, specifically detecting when the fixed network is congested and adjusting the rate accordingly. This allows the system to adapt between maintaining stability and utilizing available bandwidth based on current network state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by detecting the congestion state of the fixed network link and using this information to adjust the token injection rate. The system continuously monitors network conditions and feeds this information back to the token bucket mechanism, which then modifies its token injection behavior to optimize both reliability and bandwidth utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If packets are allocated based on token bucket labeling (green/yellow), then packet transmission can be controlled according to bandwidth commitments, but packets are still allocated to congested links during traffic bursts causing improper offloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacket transmission controlVSAvoidpacket offloading efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback by detecting the congestion state of network links and using this information to adjust packet allocation decisions. The system monitors link conditions and feeds this back to the packet labeling mechanism, allowing it to dynamically change which link packets are sent on based on real-time network state rather than static token bucket rules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the token injection rate parameter based on network conditions. When the fixed network is detected as congested, the system changes the token injection rate parameter to allow more packets to be labeled for the mobile network, thereby improving packet offloading efficiency during traffic bursts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3633937B1Packet transmission method and network device
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3633937B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3633937B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3633937B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This application provides a packet transmission method. The method is applied to a network including a first link and a second link, and the method includes: determining, by a transmit end based on a length of a packet, whether a quantity of tokens in a first token bucket meets a requirement for transmitting the packet, where a token injection rate of the first token bucket is set based on bandwidth of the first link; when determining that the quantity of tokens in the first token bucket meets the requirement for transmitting the packet, obtaining a quantity of tokens required for transmitting the packet, and transmitting the packet by using the first link; when determining that the quantity of tokens in the first token bucket does not meet the requirement for transmitting the packet, determining whether the second link is congested; and when determining that the second link is not in a congested state, transmitting, by the transmit end, the packet by using the second link. In the foregoing method, traffic can be properly offloaded, thereby ensuring that link bandwidth is fully used.