Weighted Load-Balancing Hash Index Range Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load-balancing methods in LAGs and WCMP/TRILL have a limited dynamic range of weights, which restricts the distribution of traffic among LAG members, and increasing the number of members complicates the modulo operation and requires larger tables.

Innovation Solution

A logical load-balancing method that generates a hash index from packet headers and determines a range of logical identities for each LAG member based on its weight, allowing packets to be directed to the appropriate member, thereby increasing the dynamic range without requiring hardware reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of LAG members is increased to expand weight dynamic range, then the weight distribution flexibility is improved, but the table size and modulo operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight dynamic rangeVSAvoidtable size and operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional approach (using the number of LAG members to represent weight range) to a two-dimensional approach (using hash index bits to represent weight range). Instead of increasing the number of LAG members horizontally, the patent vertically expands the weight dynamic range by utilizing additional dimensions of the hash index (multiple bits) to encode weight information, thereby achieving weight dynamic range expansion without increasing LAG member count or table size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the weight representation mechanism. Instead of physically replicating LAG members to increase weight range, the patent uses software-based hash index bit manipulation to create a virtual weight representation that can achieve much larger dynamic ranges. The hash index bits are copied and combined with LAG member indices to achieve weighted load balancing without physical hardware expansion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardware reconfiguration is performed to support larger weight ranges, then the weight distribution capability is improved, but the device complexity and reconfiguration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distribution capabilityVSAvoidhardware reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hardware reconfiguration system with a software-based hash index manipulation system. Instead of physically reconfiguring hardware to change weight ranges, the patent uses software algorithms that manipulate hash index bits to dynamically adjust weight distributions. This substitution eliminates the need for hardware reconfiguration while maintaining flexible weight distribution capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic weight adjustment capability through software-based hash index manipulation. The weight distribution can be changed dynamically by modifying hash index bit assignments without requiring static hardware reconfiguration. This makes the system adaptable to changing traffic patterns and weight requirements in real-time operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7898959B1Method for weighted load-balancing among network interfaces
Publication Date: 2011.03.01 MARVELL ISRAEL (M L S L) LTD
  • US7898959B1 patent drawing
  • US7898959B1 patent drawing
  • US7898959B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A logical load-balancing method for distributing traffic according to a set of weights among a group of network interfaces. A logical identity of a packet may be generated, e.g., by generating a hash index of the packet's header. Each of the weights may be associated with a network interface. A range of logical identities, or its boundary, may be determined for an interface according to the weight associated with the interface member. A packet may be directed to an interface if the packet's logical identify falls into the range of the interface.