Self-Routing Multicast in Software Defined Network Fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lossless Ethernet networks do not support credit-based flow control, leading to packet discard and increased latency, and require separate multicast routing tables, limiting scalability and compatibility with credit-based flow control systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a credit-based flow control mechanism in lossless Ethernet networks using a switch controller that creates multipath identifiers and path identifiers based on a local network topology database, allowing self-routing multicast without separate multicast routing tables, and enabling credit-based flow control in a software-defined network environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lossless Ethernet networks discard undeliverable packets and retransmit later, then packet delivery is attempted, but network latency increases and packets may be permanently dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing credit-based flow control mechanisms and multipath routing structures before packet transmission issues occur. The system proactively manages network credits and establishes alternative paths in advance, allowing packets to be rerouted immediately when congestion is detected, rather than discarding and retransmitting later. This prevents latency accumulation and packet loss by having solutions ready beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a control plane entity that mediates between packet forwarding and flow control. This intermediary manages credit allocation and coordinates path selection, acting as a mediator that resolves conflicts between maintaining packet delivery reliability and minimizing latency. The control plane translates flow control credits into actionable routing decisions without requiring packet retransmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate multicast routing tables are used in conventional Ethernet networks, then multicast packet routing is enabled, but network scalability is limited and compatibility with credit-based flow control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multicast routing functionality with the existing unicast flow control infrastructure. Instead of maintaining separate multicast routing tables, the system integrates multicast path selection into the credit-based flow control framework. Multicast packets leverage the same credit management and path identification mechanisms as unicast traffic, consolidating routing functions and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a unified path identification mechanism that serves both unicast and multicast functions. The same credit-based flow control structure and path ID system handles both packet types, eliminating the need for specialized multicast routing tables. This multi-functional approach maintains versatility in handling different packet types while simplifying the underlying infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products presented herein provide for self-routing multicast. In one embodiment, a system includes a switch controller including a hardware processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic being adapted to receive a multicast data stream join request from a source device in a network, create a multipath identifier (ID) for the multipath data stream, create a series of path identifiers (IDs) for each intermediate switch in the network based on a local network topology database, each path ID being associated with a desired output port bitmap, and transmit the multipath ID and a path ID to a source of the multicast data stream, the path ID corresponding to the source of the multicast data stream join request.