Network Path Identification via Probe Packet Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying multiple paths in computer networks for bandwidth aggregation are proprietary and dependent on seed values, making it difficult for source nodes to determine if port pairs are hashed to different paths, especially in wide area networks where end hosts lack knowledge of network topologies and router/switch configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method that sets a set of destination ports for a destination device to listen to, selects a subset of ports, determines collisions by transmitting probe packets, and modifies the subset to eliminate colliding ports, allowing data packet traffic to be sent via non-colliding ports, thereby identifying and utilizing multiple paths between network nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If proprietary hashing functions are used on switches/routers for bandwidth aggregation, then load balancing across multiple paths is achieved, but source nodes cannot determine if port pairs are hashed to different paths due to lack of knowledge about network topologies and router/switch configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces probe packets as intermediaries to carry path identification information between source and destination nodes. These probe packets enable the source node to determine whether port pairs are hashed to different paths without requiring knowledge of proprietary hashing functions or network topology details, thus resolving the information loss problem while maintaining bandwidth aggregation capabilities
2Ease of operation
If end hosts have little knowledge of network topologies and router/switch configurations, then network security and simplicity are maintained, but it is not feasible for source nodes to determine a priori if port pairs are to be hashed to different paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by sending probe packets before actual data transmission to determine path hashing relationships. This allows source nodes to gather necessary path information in advance without requiring deep knowledge of network configurations, thus maintaining operational simplicity while enabling path determination capability
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention pertain to transmitting packet data across a computer network. The packets may be sent via one or more distinct routes from a source to a destination. Each route may employ multiple routers disposed along the network. Non-colliding routes are determined by transmitting pairs of probe packets along the routes. A first probe packet has a maximal length, and a second probe packet has a minimal length. Depending on the order of arrival of the probe packets, the system determines whether two transport layer ports at the destination device collide. If there is a collision, then the system searches for a set of non-colliding ports. Once the non-colliding ports are determined, application data may be sent as packets along the different routes to those ports.