Traffic Engineering System Using Tiered Thresholds for Link Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communications networks, traffic engineering systems face challenges in efficiently allocating data flows across links to avoid overflow while ensuring optimal routing, as existing methods often lead to over-allocation or under-allocation of link capacities, particularly when dealing with varying data demands and network congestion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a tiered threshold system where data flows are allocated based on multiple allocatable capacity thresholds, starting from the smallest threshold and increasing sequentially until a viable path is found, allowing for dynamic adjustment of link utilization to accommodate growing data flows without overflowing links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If data flows are allocated based on a single threshold, then the allocation process is simple, but the link utilization is either over-allocated or under-allocated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single threshold into multiple tiered thresholds (first threshold, second threshold, third threshold, etc.), where each threshold represents a different allocatable capacity level. This segmentation allows the system to evaluate multiple capacity levels sequentially, preventing both over-allocation and under-allocation of link capacities while maintaining a structured and manageable allocation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of threshold values from a single fixed value to multiple variable thresholds. By introducing tiered thresholds with different capacity levels, the system can dynamically adjust the allocatable capacity based on network conditions and flow requirements, thereby improving link utilization efficiency without excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If the network allocates data flows to maximize link utilization, then link capacity is efficiently used, but links may overflow under increased data demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes multiple tiered thresholds in advance, where higher thresholds represent cushioning capacity reserves. When allocating data flows, the system first attempts to use lower thresholds to ensure reliable operation, and only progresses to higher thresholds when necessary. This beforehand cushioning prevents link overflow by maintaining reserved capacity levels that can absorb increased data demands without causing overflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic threshold selection where the allocatable capacity is not fixed but adapts based on network conditions. The system dynamically progresses through tiered thresholds (from first to second, third, etc.) depending on whether lower thresholds can accommodate the data flow. This dynamic approach allows the system to maximize link utilization when conditions permit while automatically preventing overflow when capacity is constrained.
3Reliability
If the network uses multiple tiered thresholds, then link utilization is balanced and overflow is prevented, but the allocation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of multiple tiered thresholds before finalizing data flow allocation. The system sequentially evaluates whether the first threshold can accommodate the flow, then the second threshold, and so on. This preliminary action through structured sequential evaluation balances link utilization and prevents overflow while keeping the complexity manageable through a systematic decision-making process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent evaluates more thresholds than strictly necessary in some cases (excessive action), checking first, second, third thresholds even if the first might suffice. This partial or excessive evaluation ensures reliable and balanced link utilization by thoroughly assessing capacity options, while the systematic nature of the evaluation keeps the process complexity acceptable through clear procedural structure.
4Speed
If data flows are routed through the fastest path, then transmission efficiency is maximized, but link bandwidth becomes unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different threshold criteria to different links and paths in the network. Instead of uniformly routing all flows through the fastest path, the system evaluates local conditions at each link using tiered thresholds. This allows some flows to use faster paths when capacity permits (maintaining speed) while directing other flows through alternative paths with available capacity (balancing bandwidth), achieving both transmission efficiency and network balance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary traffic engineering solutions are described herein. According to exemplary embodiments, multiple tiered thresholds representing allocatable capacities of links in the network may be provided. The tiered thresholds may effectively limit the amount of data that a traffic engineering system is permitted to allocate on links in the network. The traffic engineering system may attempt to allocate data flows in the network according to the smallest threshold. If the network cannot accommodate the data flows according to the smallest threshold, then the next- smallest threshold may be attempted. The thresholds may be sequentially tested in increasing order until the largest threshold is attempted. If a workable threshold is found, then the data flow may be allocated to a path in the network. If the traffic engineering system is unable to accommodate the data flows at any of the tiered thresholds, then the traffic engineering system may report a failure.