Stateful PCE Bandwidth-Aware Path Computation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In computer networks, the existing Path Computation Elements (PCEs) often lead to an imbalance in the distribution of primary and standby label switched paths, resulting in poorly utilized standby paths and potential congestion on primary paths during peak traffic times due to the rare occurrence of primary path failures.
Innovation Solution
A stateful PCE calculates vacant bandwidth for each path by considering both available and standby reserved bandwidth, allowing it to select and assign primary and standby paths based on vacant bandwidth, thereby balancing their distribution and applying algorithms to maximize path utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PCEs place multiple primary label switched paths on the same path for path protection, then path protection reliability is improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to standby paths remaining idle and primary paths experiencing congestion during peak traffic times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of primary and standby path selection by implementing a unified path computation mechanism that simultaneously optimizes both path types based on current network conditions. The PCE computes primary and standby paths together using a single optimization framework that considers bandwidth availability, path diversity, and traffic patterns, rather than treating them as separate independent decisions. This allows efficient utilization of network resources while maintaining path protection capabilities.
2Reliability
If standby label switched paths are pre-signaled with dedicated resources for path protection, then failure recovery capability is improved, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates because standby paths do not carry traffic under normal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path resource allocation where the PCE continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts the designation of primary and standby paths based on real-time bandwidth availability and traffic patterns. Paths can dynamically transition between primary and standby roles, and resource allocation is adjusted according to current network state rather than being statically assigned. This enables standby paths to be utilized more effectively when primary paths experience high traffic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of path role assignment from static to dynamic by introducing bandwidth-aware path computation that evaluates current network conditions. The PCE uses updated network state information to modify path selection parameters, allowing the same physical path to serve as primary or standby depending on current bandwidth availability and traffic requirements, thereby improving overall resource utilization while maintaining protection capabilities.
3Reliability
If resources are bound to standby paths for one-to-one path protection, then path failure protection is improved, but network congestion on primary paths during peak times worsens due to imbalance in path distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PCE continuously monitors network conditions including bandwidth utilization, traffic patterns, and path performance. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust path selection and resource allocation decisions. When congestion is detected on primary paths, the system responds by reevaluating path assignments and potentially designating alternative paths as standby, thereby balancing the distribution of protection resources and reducing congestion on overloaded primary paths.
Data Source
AI summary
At a first network device, a plurality of paths through a network from a source network device to a destination network device are determined. A vacant bandwidth is calculated for each of the plurality of paths. A primary path is selected from the plurality of paths based on the vacant bandwidth, and a standby path is selected from the plurality of paths based on the vacant bandwidth.