WCMP Link Capacity Determination in Multi-Stage Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional networks fail to consider the capacities of downstream network elements and links when determining data transmission, leading to inefficient data distribution and suboptimal throughput.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the total bandwidth and capacities of links in a multi-stage network, ensuring that the upstream capacity of a network device is no higher than its downstream capacity, and calculating weights for distributing network traffic based on these capacities to optimize traffic distribution among links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional networks assign data to links based only on maximum link capacity without considering downstream capacities, then link utilization is simplified, but network throughput becomes suboptimal and downstream network elements become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining effective capacities of network links and network elements before actual data transmission occurs. The system calculates effective capacities by considering both upstream and downstream bandwidth constraints in advance, storing these pre-computed values for use during traffic routing. This eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during data transmission while ensuring optimal throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of an effective capacity determination system that acts as a mediator between link capacity specifications and actual traffic routing decisions. This intermediary layer computes and stores effective capacities that already account for downstream constraints, allowing routing decisions to be made using simple lookups rather than complex real-time analysis of the entire network topology.
2Speed
If upstream capacity is allowed to exceed downstream capacity, then data transmission speed increases, but downstream network elements become overloaded and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the raw link capacity parameters into effective capacity parameters that automatically account for downstream constraints. The system modifies the capacity parameter from a static link specification to a dynamic effective capacity that reflects the bottleneck constraints along the entire path. This ensures upstream capacity assignments never exceed what downstream elements can handle, preventing overload while maximizing transmission speed.
3Productivity
If equal cost multipath routing is used to distribute traffic evenly among paths, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but paths with different actual capacities are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different effective capacities to different links and network elements based on their specific downstream constraints. Instead of treating all paths uniformly, the system calculates and applies locally-specific effective capacities that reflect the actual bottleneck constraints of each path. This allows traffic to be distributed more efficiently across paths with different capacities while maintaining relatively simple routing logic at each node.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments determine respective capacities of network links in a multi-stage network. Specifically, the capacities of the upstream links for a given network element are determined based on the capacities of the downstream links for that network element. According to the various embodiments, a network element determines the amount of data, i.e. traffic, which may be assigned to downstream links based on the determined capacities. A network element may not receive more traffic than the total direct downstream capacity of the network element. Thus, optimum throughput may be attained for the entire network.