Switch Interconnection Topology Using Throughput-Capacity Path Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication network topologies determined by the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) are sub-optimal, leading to inefficient data throughput distribution, with some connections becoming overloaded while others remain underutilized.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining an interconnection topology based on a metric that considers the ratio of effective data throughput requirements to transport capacity, allowing for optimized path selection and prioritization of data streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) algorithm is used to determine network topology, then the topology determination is simple and follows a single path based on distance to root switch, but the data throughput distribution becomes inefficient with connections becoming overloaded or underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the metric used for path selection from simple distance-based metrics to a composite metric that includes data throughput requirements and connection capacities. This parameter change allows the system to optimize throughput distribution while maintaining the single-path topology determination approach, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional STP mechanical blocking mechanism with a metric-based selection mechanism. Instead of administratively blocking ports based on distance, the system calculates throughput metrics and selects paths accordingly, substituting the mechanical STP approach with a more efficient calculation-based approach that improves throughput distribution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the STP algorithm blocks certain ports to maintain a single path, then topology stability is maintained, but network resource utilization becomes sub-optimal with overloaded and underutilized connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection criteria from distance-based to throughput-based metrics while maintaining the single-path constraint. By calculating effective paths based on throughput requirements and connection capacities, the system achieves better resource utilization without compromising topology stability, as each switch still selects a single effective path.
3Ease of operation
If paths are selected based on distance to root switch, then the topology determination is straightforward, but the effective use of network capacity is reduced with imbalanced throughput distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the path selection parameters from simple distance metrics to composite metrics incorporating throughput requirements and connection capacities. This change maintains the straightforward single-path selection process while significantly improving throughput distribution efficiency, as the metric guides path selection toward more balanced resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an interconnection topology between switches of a communication network. Such a method includes, for at least one given leaf switch, determining an effective path for the communication of data between the leaf switch and a root switch, determining the effective path including: determining at least one candidate path between the leaf switch and the root switch, the candidate path including at least one section between a first switch and a second switch; and for each candidate path, computing a metric based on at least one quantity representative of a ratio, determined for a corresponding section of the candidate path, between an effective requirement for the data throughput transiting via the section and a transport capacity of the connection of the section. The effective path is determined as being the candidate path with the extremal metric from the one or more candidate paths.