Network Traffic Management for VLAN Edge Router Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large amounts of network traffic between Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) can lead to slowed network traffic due to heavy usage of edge routers, which are required for data transmission between VLANs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing traffic in a computer network that identifies and displays sources of excessive traffic exceeding a threshold, allowing for automatic reassignment of these 'top talker' sources to their respective VLANs, thereby reducing cross-VLAN traffic and improving network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted between VLANs through edge routers, then communication between different VLANs is enabled, but network traffic speed decreases due to heavy router usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management computer as an intermediary that monitors network traffic and identifies sources of excessive cross-VLAN traffic. This intermediary system enables the network to automatically detect and respond to traffic anomalies without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining VLAN communication capabilities while addressing speed degradation caused by router overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring network traffic through the management computer, which receives traffic data from network elements and automatically displays alerts when excessive cross-VLAN traffic is detected. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of network management based on real-time conditions, helping to maintain optimal traffic speeds while preserving VLAN communication functionality.
2Measurement precision
If traffic monitoring and source identification is implemented, then excessive cross-VLAN traffic can be detected, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management computer serves multiple functions: it monitors network traffic, identifies sources of excessive traffic, generates alerts, and provides a user interface for displaying traffic information. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent achieves precise traffic source identification without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring traffic patterns and identifying sources of excessive cross-VLAN traffic without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The management computer autonomously processes traffic data, applies analysis criteria, and generates alerts when thresholds are exceeded, thereby achieving high measurement precision while minimizing the operational complexity burden on network administrators.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed for determining the source or sources of a relatively high amount of traffic into a first set of nodes from another set of nodes. In one example, the top talker sources among a first set of nodes are found. Any top talker sources, which are from another set of nodes are determined, and an alert is produced which indicates the top talker sources to the network manager.