Reactive Path Selection for Edge Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic routing protocols in computer networking do not adequately consider traffic quality when selecting paths, leading to inefficiencies and increased bandwidth consumption due to the reliance on forward error correction, which requires additional traffic and limits overall bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a reactive path selection mechanism in edge network devices that uses quality measurement probes and multiple criteria, including routing protocol metrics and path quality, to dynamically choose paths and enable forward error correction only as a last resort, while policing, shaping, or dropping traffic to manage available resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forward error correction is used to ensure reliable delivery despite packet loss, then reliability is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases due to additional traffic required for correction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary path quality assessment using probes before selecting paths for traffic forwarding. By proactively measuring path quality metrics (packet loss, latency, jitter) and pre-identifying suitable paths, the system avoids the need for forward error correction on already-selected paths, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining delivery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors path quality using probes and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust path selection. The feedback loop allows the system to identify deteriorating paths before they cause delivery failures, enabling preventive path switching rather than reactive error correction, thus reducing the bandwidth overhead associated with forward error correction
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic routing protocols are used for path selection, then adaptability to network changes is improved, but path quality consideration is worsened due to lack of quality metrics in routing decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges dynamic routing protocol path selection with probe-based quality assessment into a unified path selection mechanism. The routing protocol provides adaptability to network topology changes, while the integrated probe system adds quality metrics (packet loss, latency, jitter) to the decision-making process, achieving both adaptability and quality consideration simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The probe mechanism serves multiple functions: it measures path quality metrics, identifies suitable paths for specific traffic types, and provides feedback for dynamic path selection. This multi-functional approach enables the system to maintain adaptability while simultaneously ensuring path quality without requiring separate dedicated quality assessment systems
3Measurement precision
If probing techniques are used to determine packet loss, latency and jitter, then path quality measurement is improved, but system complexity increases due to secondary path selection process
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the path selection function into two independent components: the dynamic routing protocol handles topology-based path selection, while the probe-based quality assessment handles quality-based path evaluation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without creating a complex integrated system, as the two components can operate independently and their results are combined through simple path selection logic
Data Source
AI summary
A method for routing is disclosed. The method comprises provisioning an endpoint in a network with a reactive path selection policy; monitoring, by the endpoint, current conditions relating to various paths available to said end point for the transmission of traffic; and selectively applying, by the endpoint, at least a portion of the reactive path selection policy based on the current conditions of the available paths.