System and method for minimizing hardware resources for given performance using weighted cost multi-path flow distribution

摘要

The present technology considers network devices that include forwarding tables having a number of next-hop entries (e.g., egress ports) where it is possible that the egress port utilization can be load balanced using WCMP groups. In a WCMP group, its members are assigned weights representing an amount of data flow to distribute over a plurality of links for a given destination. This disclosure provides systems and methods to distribute weights assigned to members of WCMP groups while achieving a minimum target for network throughput.

主权项

1. A method for reducing consumption of resources in a forwarding table of a first-stage device, comprising:
identifying one or more original weighted cost multipath (WCMP) groups, each original WCMP group comprising a plurality of ports of the first-stage device having assigned weights for distribution of data to a plurality of second-stage devices; determining, using a processor, a percentage of data throughput corresponding to the original WCMP group; determining a threshold value for throughput degradation; and determining for each original WCMP group, using the processor, a skinny WCMP group, wherein the skinny WCMP group comprises a substantially proportionate reduction of the assigned weights of the original WCMP group such that a degree of throughput degradation corresponding to the reduction of weights does not exceed the threshold value.