Segmented Network Management via Dynamic Traffic Re-routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communications networks face challenges in dynamically managing network capacity and Quality of Service (QoS) to prevent congestion and service degradation, especially with the increasing demand for diverse content like TV and gaming, as traditional methods are static or only focus on admission control without addressing gradual underperformance.
Innovation Solution
A communications network with segment management modules that monitor operational data, predict future performance, and re-route data flows to maintain QoS by reconfiguring network segments, allowing for dynamic adjustments and load balancing across segments to prevent congestion and service degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional admission control is used to manage network capacity, then network overload is prevented, but gradual service underperformance is not addressed and the system remains static
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static admission control to dynamic traffic engineering by continuously monitoring network performance metrics and automatically adjusting traffic routes in real-time based on current network conditions, enabling the network to adapt dynamically to congestion and service degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The network system performs self-diagnosis and self-healing by autonomously detecting performance degradation, identifying alternative routes, and reconfiguring traffic flows without manual intervention, allowing the network to manage its own capacity and quality of service
2Reliability
If network capacity is over-provisioned to prevent congestion, then service quality is maintained, but network resources are wasted and the approach is static
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of static over-provisioning, the system dynamically adjusts traffic routing based on real-time network conditions, allowing existing resources to be optimized and utilized more efficiently by redirecting traffic away from congested segments as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes routing parameters and traffic flow distributions dynamically based on monitored performance metrics, enabling flexible resource allocation that prevents congestion without requiring excess capacity provisioning
3Reliability
If manual network reconfiguration is performed when congestion occurs, then service degradation is prevented, but the process is laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects congestion conditions, calculates alternative routes, and executes reconfiguration without human intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with manual processes while maintaining service continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network performance and identifies potential congestion issues before they cause service degradation, allowing preventive reconfiguration to be executed proactively rather than reactively
4Reliability
If traditional routing is used without predictive analysis, then network operation is simple, but future congestion and service underperformance cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs predictive analysis using historical and current performance data to forecast future congestion conditions before they occur, enabling advance traffic engineering and route optimization to prevent service degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where performance metrics are monitored, analyzed, and used to automatically adjust routing decisions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing network conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a segmented network in which each segment comprises one or more routers, one or more communications links to provide connectivity between the router(s) and a segment management module. The segment management module uses operational data to predict the future performance of each element. If the predicted performance will breach a threshold value then a data flow may be re-routed. Re-routing between different segments can lead to network management problems and so the present invention discloses methods by which: segments can expand to acquire a router from another segment; segments can subdivide; and segments can merge together, particularly if a segment comprises too few routers.