Virtual Network Overlay for Multipath Datacenter Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Datacenters face challenges in managing increasing network traffic due to the open-ended nature of packet paths, leading to incomplete information for bandwidth allocation, which results in inefficient resource utilization and potential bottlenecks, despite the benefits of multipath routing at lower layers.
Innovation Solution
A logical/virtual network overlay is applied to datacenters with a tiered topology to provide single-path routing, allowing for informed bandwidth allocations by grouping network nodes and summing available bandwidths, while maintaining the advantages of multipath routing at lower layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multipath routing is implemented at lower layers, then network resource utilization and fault tolerance are improved, but path information completeness for bandwidth allocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network routing function into two distinct layers: a lower data plane that handles multipath packet forwarding for high resource utilization, and an upper control plane that establishes single virtual path overlays for complete path information. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual network overlay as an intermediary layer between the source and destination hosts. This overlay provides abstracted single-path routing with complete path information, while the underlying physical network maintains multipath routing capabilities. The overlay acts as a mediator that translates between these two routing paradigms.
2Loss of information
If single-path routing is implemented for bandwidth allocation, then path information completeness is improved, but network resource utilization and fault tolerance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the network architecture by superimposing a virtual network overlay on top of the physical network. This additional layer operates in a different dimension (virtual vs. physical) and provides single-path routing with complete path information, while the physical layer continues to provide multipath routing for high resource utilization.
3Measurement precision
If virtual network overlay is applied, then bandwidth allocation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual network overlay provides multiple functions within a single architectural addition: it enables complete path information for bandwidth allocation, maintains compatibility with existing multipath routing infrastructure, and offers a standardized interface for flow agents. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Creation of a virtual overlay for a multipath network with tiered topology is disclosed. A virtual-node module may group network nodes connected within a common tier, which is initially the tier furthest from the core. This module may also group network nodes at a consecutive tier, closer to the core, that connect a pairs of groupings in the common tier by links between the common and consecutive tiers. Groupings with a common network node may be combined and designated as virtual nodes. A virtual-link module may sum bandwidths for network links between virtual-node pairs with nodes in both the common and consecutive tiers. A check module may combine virtual nodes and links and network nodes and links not yet virtualized in a graph, which it may check for a cycle. An iteration module may iterate both tiers toward the core, triggering further grouping, summing, and updating until no loop exists.