Traffic Rate Control Feedback Mechanism for Queue Overflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems, combining Layer 3 and Layer 2 traffic management without specialized hardware leads to traffic discard issues due to queue overflow, defeating Layer 3 traffic management, and there is a need for monitoring to ensure desired traffic management behaviors are achieved.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for monitoring communication traffic transfer rates between Layer 3 and Layer 2 traffic management devices, using a monitor to compile traffic storage history and adjust control parameters to control the transfer rate, preventing queue overflow and enabling effective traffic management without specialized hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If generic traffic management devices are combined to achieve complex L3 and L2 traffic management without specialized hardware, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but traffic discard issues occur due to queue overflow which defeats L3 traffic management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the L2 traffic management device monitors queue occupancy levels and sends feedback signals to the L3 traffic management device. When queues approach capacity thresholds, the L2 device signals the L3 device to rate-limit incoming traffic, preventing queue overflow and ensuring L3 traffic management policies remain effective without requiring specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback signal as an intermediary communication mechanism between the L3 and L2 traffic management devices. This intermediary allows the two devices to coordinate their operations, with the L2 device acting as a mediator that informs the L3 device about queue status, enabling the L3 device to adjust traffic rates accordingly and prevent discards
2Reliability
If specialized hardware combining L3 and L2 traffic management is used, then traffic management effectiveness and reliability are improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic management functionality into separate L3 and L2 devices, each handling its specific layer independently. Rather than requiring a single specialized hardware unit combining both functions, the system divides responsibilities and uses feedback communication to coordinate between the segmented devices, reducing overall hardware complexity while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes generic traffic management devices multi-functional by enabling them to perform both L3 and L2 traffic management tasks through software/configuration rather than dedicated hardware. The feedback mechanism allows these universal devices to coordinate effectively, eliminating the need for specialized hardware designed for a single purpose
3Device complexity
If L3 and L2 traffic management devices operate independently without coordination, then device simplicity is maintained, but queue overflow occurs causing traffic discards and defeating L3 traffic management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback communication between the L3 and L2 traffic management devices where the L2 device monitors its queue occupancy and sends status information to the L3 device. This feedback enables the L3 device to proactively rate-limit traffic before queues overflow, preventing the harmful effect of traffic discards while maintaining relatively simple device architectures
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of monitoring a communication traffic transfer rate control mechanism are provided. The traffic transfer rate control mechanism may control a rate of transfer of communication traffic from a first communication traffic management device to a second communication traffic management device, for example. A communication traffic storage history, which is indicative of an effect of the transfer rate control mechanism, is compiled by determining amounts of communication traffic stored in at least one communication traffic queue of at least one of the communication traffic management devices, at each of a number of monitor times. An indication of the determined amounts of communication traffic is provided, and may be analyzed to determine whether the transfer rate control mechanism actually achieves a desired effect. The transfer rate control mechanism or control parameters thereof may then be adjusted if the desired effect is not currently being achieved.