Transfer Apparatus Buffer Allocation for Microburst Traffic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resource allocation methods in IP networks often optimize IF allocation only after packet loss occurs, failing to prevent loss altogether due to limited buffer capacity and inability to constantly monitor buffer use rates, especially for microburst traffic.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus with multiple buffers, each grouping IFs, allocates traffic to IF groups with the longest non-occurrence of packet discarding, using preprocessing like IF expansion or destination changes to minimize loss, and detects bursts and losses to select optimal IF groups for allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet buffering is performed using queues in transfer apparatus to curb packet loss during burst traffic, then packet loss is reduced, but buffer capacity is limited and cannot handle microburst traffic effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting microburst traffic patterns before packet loss occurs and proactively allocating additional buffer resources to the affected IF groups. The management apparatus monitors traffic patterns, identifies microbursts through analysis of traffic amount changes over time, and pre-allocates buffer capacity to prevent overflow and packet loss before it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the management apparatus continuously monitors traffic patterns and buffer usage, analyzes detected microburst patterns, and dynamically adjusts buffer allocation accordingly. The system uses feedback from traffic pattern analysis to make real-time decisions about resource allocation, ensuring buffer capacity is optimized based on actual network conditions.
2Reliability
If buffer capacity is increased to handle microburst traffic, then packet loss is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static buffer allocation to dynamic buffer allocation. Instead of configuring fixed buffer capacities for each IF group, the management apparatus dynamically adjusts buffer allocation based on real-time traffic pattern analysis. The system can flexibly allocate buffer resources to IF groups experiencing microbursts while maintaining normal allocation for other groups, optimizing both reliability and resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated detection and allocation mechanisms. The management apparatus automatically detects microburst patterns, analyzes traffic characteristics, and allocates buffer resources without manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of buffer configuration and management while improving the system's ability to handle microburst traffic.
3Ease of operation
If ordinary visualization methods are used to detect burst traffic, then detection is simple, but microburst traffic cannot be detected due to low time resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of traffic patterns by collecting and analyzing traffic amount data at high time resolution before making detection decisions. The management apparatus pre-processes traffic data to identify patterns characteristic of microbursts, enabling detection of these rapid traffic changes that would be invisible to ordinary visualization methods with lower time resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension to traffic analysis by examining traffic patterns over multiple time scales. Instead of relying on single-point traffic measurements, the system analyzes traffic amount changes over time intervals, detecting microbursts through their characteristic rapid increase and decrease patterns. This temporal dimension analysis enables detection of microburst traffic while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To allocate IFs to be used in accordance with buffers such that no packet loss occurs in a case in which the transfer apparatus that performs packet transfer includes as many buffers with grouped interfaces (IFs) mounted in units of groups thereon as the number of groups.[Solving Means] A packet transfer apparatus 10C has a plurality of buffers 11a to 11n mounting IFs in units of groups and performs, when the traffic amount at the time of packet transfer of the IFs of each of the buffers exceeds maximum transfer capacity of the IFs, buffering packets corresponding to the exceeding traffic amount in the buffers. An IF allocation unit 23 included in the transfer apparatus 10C selects, in a case in which IF groups with no occurrence of any loss indicating packet discarding are present at the time of the packet transfer in the IFs for a unit time from among all the IF groups, an IF group with a longest non-occurrence time of the buffering from among the IF groups with no occurrence of any loss and performs IF allocation of allocating traffic of packets to the IFs in the selected IF groups.