Dynamic Spanning Tree Reconfiguration for QoS Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer network spanning tree protocols, such as IEEE 802.1D, are not sensitive to changing traffic patterns and data types, leading to suboptimal path characteristics for quality of service (QoS) sensitive applications like streaming video and VoIP, resulting in quality degradation due to inadequate bandwidth and latency.
Innovation Solution
Automatically reconfiguring network paths based on flow statistics to prioritize QoS sensitive applications by identifying and assigning them to paths that meet specific requirements, such as higher bandwidth and lower latency, using counters and packet analysis to determine flow volumes and types, and updating the spanning tree topology dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spanning tree protocol is used to avoid loops, then network stability is improved, but path characteristics become suboptimal for QoS sensitive applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection by allowing traffic to be routed along different paths based on real-time network conditions and QoS requirements. The system dynamically adjusts path characteristics by selecting from multiple available paths in the meshed network, rather than being constrained to a static spanning tree structure. This enables QoS sensitive applications to automatically utilize paths with optimal bandwidth and latency characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes path selection parameters based on QoS requirements by evaluating multiple path options against specific criteria such as bandwidth availability, latency thresholds, and loss rates. The path selection process dynamically adjusts routing parameters to match the predetermined QoS criteria for different application types, allowing optimal path characteristics to be achieved for each flow.
2Ease of operation
If standard spanning protocol is used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to changing traffic patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service QoS path selection by automatically evaluating network conditions and selecting optimal paths without requiring manual configuration or administration. The QoS sensitive applications automatically utilize paths that meet their predetermined criteria through embedded path selection logic, eliminating the need for system administrators to manually monitor and reconfigure paths for different traffic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network conditions and QoS metrics, using this information to dynamically adjust path selection decisions. The path selection process receives feedback about current traffic patterns, network utilization, and QoS performance, and automatically adapts its routing decisions to maintain optimal performance for QoS sensitive applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Data-type-based spanning tree reconfiguration includes determining volumes for one or more types of data transmitted in information flows in an existing spanning tree in a network. The spanning tree is reconfigured based on one or more of the volumes and the types of data transmitted in the flows.