Primary PCE Load Balancing via Request Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing path computation element (PCE) systems lack effective load balancing mechanisms, leading to inefficient distribution of path computation requests among multiple PCEs, which can result in performance degradation and increased processing burdens.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a primary PCE that selects secondary PCEs based on criteria such as the minimum number of processed requests, priority, or random selection to distribute path computation tasks, thereby achieving load balancing through strategic decision-making and request forwarding using the PCE Communication Protocol (PCEP).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple PCEs are introduced to handle path computation requests, then the processing capacity of the system is improved, but the problem of how to distribute requests among PCEs arises, leading to potential load imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PCE set management entity as an intermediary that manages the set of PCEs and receives path computation requests from PCCs. This intermediary then distributes requests to appropriate PCEs based on their capabilities and current load, thereby improving system processing capacity while avoiding the complexity of direct request distribution mechanisms at the PCE level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PCE functionality into two parts: the PCE set management entity that handles request distribution and load balancing, and individual PCEs that focus on path computation. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding more PCEs without increasing the complexity of each individual PCE, as the distribution logic is centralized in the management entity.
2Productivity
If multiple PCEs are introduced to handle path computation requests, then the processing capacity of the system is improved, but load balancing among PCEs cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PCE set management entity monitors the load status of each PCE in the set. When distributing requests, the management entity considers the current load of each PCE and routes requests to PCEs with lower utilization, thereby achieving automatic load balancing. The system also provides feedback to the PCC about the selected PCE's capabilities and status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the PCE set dynamic by allowing PCEs to be added or removed from the set based on their current capabilities and load status. The management entity continuously updates the composition of the PCE set and adjusts request distribution dynamically, ensuring that load balancing is maintained even as system conditions change. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to varying workloads and PCE availability.
3Device complexity
If a single PCE handles all path computation requests, then the system structure is simple, but the PCE becomes a bottleneck and performance degrades under high load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple PCEs into a unified PCE set managed by a single PCE set management entity. This allows the system to maintain a simple management structure while leveraging the combined processing capacity of multiple PCEs. The management entity presents a single point of contact to PCCs, preserving structural simplicity, while the underlying multiple PCEs provide parallel processing capability to handle high loads without becoming a bottleneck.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a path computation method and a path computation element, applied to a system including two or more path computation elements (PCEs), and in the system, one of the PCEs is a primary PCE, and the other PCEs are secondary PCEs; the method includes: the primary PCE, after receiving a path computation request sent by a path computation client (PCC), selecting one PCE in the system to be the PCE processing this path computation request, and the selected PCE processing the path computation request. When a PCE works as the primary PCE, the PCE includes: a receiving module, configured to receive a path computation request sent by a PCC; a selecting module, configured to select one PCE in the system to be the PCE processing this path computation request after the receiving module receives the path computation request.