Relaxed Ordering Network for Multi-Path Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network fabrics face inefficiencies in load balancing data traffic due to the constraint of maintaining packet order, leading to network congestion and unnecessary retransmissions when packets arrive out of order, which affects the transport layer's performance and scalability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows for relaxed packet ordering in an ordered multi-path network, where packets are received out of order and reassembled sequentially before delivery, using network interface controllers and software modules to manage packet reassembly and ordering without impacting the transport layer or applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packets are transmitted in strict sequential order to maintain transport layer compatibility, then TCP/IP protocol compatibility is preserved, but network load balancing efficiency deteriorates and unnecessary retransmissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reassembly buffer between the network layer and transport layer. Packets are received out of order by the intermediary, which then reassembles them into sequential order before delivering to the transport layer. This mediator resolves the contradiction by allowing out-of-order network transmission while maintaining in-order transport layer delivery, enabling both ECMP load balancing and TCP compatibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If packets are retransmitted upon receiving out-of-order arrivals to ensure sequence integrity, then packet sequence correctness is maintained, but network congestion increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary reassembly action at the network layer before packets reach the transport layer. By pre-ordering packets in buffers based on sequence numbers before delivery to TCP, the system eliminates the need for TCP-level retransmissions. This preliminary ordering prevents the harmful retransmission cycle while maintaining sequence correctness.
3Productivity
If multiple network paths are utilized for load balancing without packet ordering constraints, then network throughput and scalability improve, but transport layer processing correctness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet handling function into two independent stages: (1) network layer receives and buffers packets out of order from multiple ECMP paths, and (2) transport layer receives sequentially ordered packets. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with its own ordering requirements, enabling high-throughput multi-path routing while maintaining transport layer correctness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and a computer readable medium for processing packets transmitted using relaxed order in an ordered multi-path network are provided. Packets associated with a data flow from the ordered multi-path network are received out of order. The received packets are reassembled into a sequential order, without gaps, prior to being delivered to a protocol stock for sequential processing.