Multi-Path Retransmission Switch Using Path Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern cloud data centers with redundant network topology, network flows often fail to fully utilize multiple paths, leading to difficulties in tracking data packets and acknowledgments, especially when links fail, resulting in prolonged outage times due to conventional rerouting methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for multi-path retransmission where a switch transmits a first packet over a first path and receives a replacement packet with a path indicator, routing the replacement packet over a second path different from the first, using hashing algorithms to select alternative paths for data and acknowledgment packets, thereby minimizing bandwidth usage and reducing network resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple paths are deployed in redundant network topology, then network reliability is improved, but tracking data packets and acknowledgments becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces path indicators as intermediary elements that are embedded within data packets and acknowledgments. These indicators act as mediators that carry path identification information through the multi-path network, enabling switches to track and route packets without requiring complex end-to-end tracking mechanisms. The path indicator serves as a self-contained identifier that simplifies the tracking problem in redundant topologies.
2Reliability
If conventional rerouting methods are used when links fail, then network connectivity is restored, but outage time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple paths and establishing path indicators in data packets before link failures occur. When a link failure is detected, switches can immediately redirect traffic using the pre-established alternative paths and path indicators, eliminating the need for time-consuming dynamic route calculation and recovery procedures. This proactive approach significantly reduces outage time while maintaining connectivity.
3Reliability
If network flows utilize TCP protocols with two-way traffic, then reliable communication is achieved, but data packets and acknowledgments travel through different paths making tracking difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the path indicator mechanism to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the transmission path for both data packets and acknowledgments, enables switching decisions for bidirectional traffic, and provides a unified tracking method that works regardless of which path the packet or acknowledgment takes. This multi-functional approach simplifies tracking in TCP two-way communication over multi-path networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and devices for data transmission by a switch. The method can include transmitting, by the switch, over a first path, a first packet that is received from a first host to a second host; receiving a replacement packet from the first host, wherein the replacement packet is transmitted from the first host in response to a determination that the first packet was lost and wherein the replacement packet includes a path indicator; and based on the path indicator of the replacement packet, transmitting, over a second path different from the first path, at least part of the replacement packet to the second host.