Weighted Multipath Routing in SDN Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Software-Defined Networking (SDN) environments, multipath routing often leads to uneven traffic distribution across paths, causing network congestion and performance degradation due to the lack of flexibility and programmability in existing weighted ECMP approaches.
Innovation Solution
A control-plane approach for weighted multipath routing configuration is implemented by a network management entity, such as an SDN controller, which dynamically assigns weights based on real-time state information from next-hop nodes to distribute traffic optimally across multiple paths without requiring code changes at nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multipath routing is configured in SDN environment, then network efficiency is improved, but traffic distribution becomes uneven causing congestion and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic weight adjustment for multipath routing by continuously monitoring traffic distribution across paths and automatically updating weights to achieve balanced load distribution. The system transitions from static equal-cost multipath routing to dynamic weighted multipath routing, where weights are adjusted in real-time based on current network conditions and traffic patterns, resolving the contradiction between improving network efficiency and preventing performance degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring traffic distribution metrics across multiple paths and using this information to adjust routing weights. The system collects performance data from network nodes, analyzes traffic distribution patterns, and feeds this information back to the routing decision-making process, enabling continuous optimization of path selection to prevent congestion while maintaining high network efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If existing weighted ECMP approach is used, then some traffic distribution is achieved, but flexibility and programmability are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the traditional ECMP approach by introducing programmable weight parameters that can be dynamically adjusted. Instead of fixed equal-cost routing or simple weighted ECMP with static weights, the system allows weights to be modified as parameters based on varying network conditions, traffic types, and policy requirements. This parameter-based approach provides both ease of operation for traffic distribution and flexibility for adapting to different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal multipath routing framework that can handle multiple routing scenarios and traffic types through a single programmable system. The weighted multipath routing mechanism can be applied to various network conditions, traffic patterns, and policy requirements, making the system versatile while maintaining ease of operation through unified weight-based control.
3Ease of operation
If code changes are implemented at nodes for weighted ECMP, then routing control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control plane intermediary that handles the complexity of weighted multipath routing calculations and weight management. Instead of requiring code changes at data plane nodes, the control plane entity computes optimal weights based on network state and communicates these to nodes, which simply implement the provided weights. This intermediary approach improves routing control while minimizing device complexity at individual nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of implementing complex routing logic directly in node code with a control-plane-driven system that uses configuration messages and state synchronization. The complexity is moved from the mechanical node implementation to the control plane, allowing nodes to maintain simpler, more efficient data plane operations while still achieving sophisticated weighted multipath routing control.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods are provided for a network management entity to perform weighted multipath routing configuration in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment. The method may comprise the network management entity obtaining state information associated with the multiple second nodes that provide multiple respective paths for first node to reach a destination network; and based on the state information associated with the multiple second nodes, assigning the multiple second nodes with respective multiple weights. The method may also comprise generating and sending control information specifying the multiple weights to the first node. The control information is to cause the first node to perform weighted multipath routing to distribute egress packets that are destined for the destination network over the multiple second nodes based on the multiple weights.