Port Queue Rate Limiting for Network Congestion Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In networks where two nodes have different transmission rates, the destination node with a lower rate can become overwhelmed, leading to packet loss and reduced throughput due to the inability to control the transmission rate of broadcast and multicast data, resulting in long recovery times and network congestion.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves rate limiting one of the queues for a port and directing all data through that single rate-limited queue, effectively capping the transmission rate to match the lower-capacity destination node, thereby preventing packet loss and reducing network congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is transmitted at high rate from a fast node, then transmission speed is improved, but the destination node with lower rate becomes overwhelmed causing packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively limiting the transmission rate at the source node before data overload occurs at the destination. The rate limiting mechanism is implemented in advance to match the destination node's processing capacity, preventing packet loss before it happens rather than reacting after overload occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring the destination node's processing rate and adjusting the source node's transmission rate accordingly. The system continuously adapts the transmission rate based on the destination's actual capacity, ensuring reliable packet delivery while maximizing throughput.
2Reliability
If flow control mechanism is used to notify transmitting node to slow down, then packet loss is reduced, but recovery time becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates recovery time by implementing preliminary rate limiting at the source node before packet loss occurs. Instead of waiting for flow control notifications after overload happens, the transmission rate is pre-adjusted to match destination capacity, preventing the need for recovery operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If broadcast and multicast data are transmitted without rate control, then data delivery coverage is improved, but destination node becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing rate limiting specifically at the source node for broadcast and multicast traffic, while allowing destination nodes to operate at their native speeds. This localized control ensures that multicast data is transmitted at a rate the source can sustain and the destination can process, maintaining both coverage and reliability.
4Speed
If symbols are inserted and removed in data stream at both ends, then transmission rate control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rate control function from the data stream manipulation approach and implements it as a separate rate limiting mechanism at the source node. Instead of inserting and removing symbols in the data stream, the system controls the transmission rate at the queue level, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved solution for limiting the transmission rate of data over a network is provided according to an aspect of the invention. In particular, the transmission rate for a port is limited by rate limiting one of a plurality of queues (e.g., class/quality of service queues) for the port, and directing all data (e.g., packets) for transmission through the port to the single rate limited queue. In this manner, the transmission rate for the port can be effectively limited to accommodate, for example, a lower transmission rate for a port on a destination node.