Pseudowire Resource Reservation for IP Network Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Modular Cable Modem Termination System (M-CMTS) architecture faces issues with uneven load distribution and bandwidth capability due to bridging and routing protocols, leading to over-subscription and under-subscription of links, which negatively impact packet switching devices between the M-CMTS Core and the Edge Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (EQAM) device.
Innovation Solution
A resource reservation and admission control scheme using pseudowires is implemented to reserve bandwidth over a layer-2 and/or layer-3 network, selecting and reserving physical links to effectively allocate network bandwidth, particularly during Downstream External PHY Interface (DEPI) sessions between the M-CMTS Core and the EQAM device, allowing for more efficient bandwidth utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bridging and routing protocols are used for packet switching between M-CMTS Core and EQAM device, then network connectivity is established, but uneven load distribution occurs leading to over-subscription and under-subscription of links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing resource reservations and admission control before actual data transmission. The system pre-allocates bandwidth resources and sets up virtual circuit identifiers (VCIs) in advance, ensuring that links are properly subscribed before traffic flows, thereby preventing both over-subscription and under-subscription issues that occur with traditional bridging and routing protocols.
2Ease of operation
If traditional bridging and routing protocols are used, then packet forwarding is enabled, but bandwidth capability is negatively impacted due to uneven load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of resource reservation protocols and admission control systems that mediate between packet forwarding requirements and bandwidth capacity. This intermediary layer ensures that bandwidth capabilities are properly matched to traffic demands, preventing the negative impact on reliability that occurs with traditional protocols that lack such mediation.
3Productivity
If resource reservation and admission control are implemented, then bandwidth allocation is improved, but network complexity increases due to additional protocols and pseudowire management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining resource reservation, admission control, and packet forwarding functions into an integrated framework. By merging these previously separate functions and using standardized protocols like MPLS and pseudowires, the system achieves improved bandwidth allocation while managing complexity through consolidation rather than adding separate independent mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A resource reservation and admission control scheme uses pseudowires to reserve bandwidth over a layer-2 and/or layer-3 network. The pseudowires are associated with ports on different network processing devices. During a resource reservation and admission control session, the physical links used by the pseudowire are selected and reserved to more effectively allocate network bandwidth. The negotiated pseudowire is then used to transport content for a communication session over the network. In one example application, the resource reservation and admission control scheme is used during a Downstream External PHY Interface (DEPI) session for pseudowires established between a Modular Cable Modem Termination System (M-CMTS) Core and an Edge Quadrature Amplitude Modulation Interface (EQAM) device. However, the reservation protocol can be used in any application that needs to reserve bandwidth over an Internet Protocol (IP) network.