Method and system for dynamically allocating bandwidth to a plurality of network elements
First Claim
1. A method to achieve global fairness in allocating a network bandwidth in a communications network having a plurality of network elements, each network element associated with one or more sources, the method comprising:
- determining a satisfaction value for each of the network elements in response to a communication parameter, each of the network elements using the communication parameter to approximate virtual time for its respective one or more sources; and
determining an allocation of a portion of the network bandwidth for each of the network elements in response to a respective one of the satisfaction values.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention allocates a portion of the common bandwidth resource to each network element, and each network element distributes its allocated portion locally using a fair distribution algorithm. In accordance with the invention, each network element determines its “local satisfaction”. “Global fairness” is achieved when local satisfaction is balanced between all of the network elements. This balance can include situations where the satisfaction values of all of the network elements are equal. This balance can also include situations where the working priority class of each of the backlogged network elements is the same. In one embodiment, the invention dynamically allocates portions of the common bandwidth resource using a control algorithm that strives to keep the satisfaction values equal among the network elements.
76 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method to achieve global fairness in allocating a network bandwidth in a communications network having a plurality of network elements, each network element associated with one or more sources, the method comprising:
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determining a satisfaction value for each of the network elements in response to a communication parameter, each of the network elements using the communication parameter to approximate virtual time for its respective one or more sources; and
determining an allocation of a portion of the network bandwidth for each of the network elements in response to a respective one of the satisfaction values. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A system for allocating bandwidth in a communications network comprising:
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a first network element interactive with one or more sources; and
a second network element in communication with the first network element, the second network element being interactive with one or more sources and including an allocation module configured to obtain a satisfaction value for the first network element in response to a parameter of a queuing algorithm used by the first network element on the one or more sources associated therewith, and to determine an allocation of a portion of the network bandwidth for the first network element in response to the satisfaction value. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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- 27. A common point for allocating a network bandwidth in a communications network having a plurality of network elements, the common point comprising an allocation module configured (i) to receive data indicative of a satisfaction value from each of the network elements and (ii) to determine a portion of the network bandwidth for each of the network elements in response to its respective satisfaction value.
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29. An article of manufacture having computer-readable program portion contained therein for allocating a network bandwidth in a communications network having a plurality of network elements, the article comprising:
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a computer-readable program portion for determining a satisfaction value for a first network element in response to a parameter of a queuing algorithm used by the first network element on its one or more sources; and
a computer-readable program portion for determining an allocation of a portion of the network bandwidth for the first network element in response to the satisfaction value.
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Specification