Traffic Offloading via Dynamic Bandwidth Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid access networks, packet loss occurs due to high packet loss rates in forwarding tunnels, leading to suboptimal bandwidth utilization and user experience degradation, as traffic is not efficiently offloaded to secondary links until the primary link's rated bandwidth is exceeded, causing unnecessary packet loss.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that calculate packet loss rates in forwarding tunnels, reducing the rated bandwidth when high packet loss rates are detected to create an available bandwidth threshold, allowing for early offloading of excess traffic to secondary links, such as LTE links, thereby reducing packet loss and improving network resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic is forwarded over the DSL link using a forwarding tunnel, then the primary data transmission path is established, but packet loss occurs when traffic exceeds the available bandwidth capacity of the IP link between HG and HAAP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by calculating the packet loss rate in advance and proactively adjusting the rated bandwidth of the forwarding tunnel before severe packet loss occurs. The system monitors packet loss rates and adjusts bandwidth parameters preemptively, rather than waiting for the link to become completely saturated, thus preventing packet loss while maintaining optimal bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the forwarding tunnel's rated bandwidth based on real-time packet loss rate monitoring. The system continuously adapts the bandwidth parameter according to current network conditions, making the forwarding tunnel flexible and responsive to changing traffic patterns and link capacities, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and optimizing productivity.
2Reliability
If the rated bandwidth of the forwarding tunnel is reduced to prevent packet loss, then packet loss rate decreases, but bandwidth utilization and traffic handling capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary bandwidth adjustment by reducing the rated bandwidth only when packet loss rates indicate approaching capacity limits. This proactive adjustment prevents packet loss while maintaining the highest possible bandwidth utilization, allowing the system to handle maximum traffic volumes without exceeding reliable transmission thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the rated bandwidth parameter of the forwarding tunnel based on monitored packet loss rates. By adjusting this critical parameter in response to network conditions, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining low packet loss rates and maximizing traffic handling capacity, allowing flexible adaptation to varying network demands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple HGs are connected to the DSLAM through the IP link, then network coverage is expanded, but packet loss increases due to IP link bandwidth constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring and adjustment of forwarding tunnel bandwidth parameters to prevent packet loss before it occurs. By proactively managing the IP link bandwidth allocation among multiple HGs, the system maintains reliable transmission across expanded network coverage, allowing more home gateways to be served without suffering from IP link saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring packet loss rates and using this information to adjust the rated bandwidth of forwarding tunnels. This closed-loop control enables the network to adapt to the demands of multiple connected HGs, maintaining reliability across expanded coverage areas by dynamically responding to actual network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application disclose a traffic offloading method and apparatus. The method includes: calculating, by a first network node, a first packet loss rate of a first forwarding tunnel in a preset period; when the first packet loss rate is higher than a first preset threshold, reducing a rated bandwidth of the first forwarding tunnel by a first preset bandwidth, so as to obtain a first available bandwidth; and when traffic forwarded over the first forwarding tunnel exceeds the first available bandwidth, offloading excess to-be-forwarded traffic to the second data link for forwarding. Because the first available bandwidth is less than an original available bandwidth of the first forwarding tunnel, the to-be-forwarded traffic exceeds the first available bandwidth at an earlier time, traffic is offloaded by the first network node in advance, and a serious packet loss is less likely to occur before traffic offloading.