Adjusting connection validating control signals in response to changes in network traffic
AssigneeNicira, Inc.
InventorsEthan J. Jackson, Keith E. Amidon, Andy Zhou
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Abstract
Some embodiments provide a method for reducing the transmission of connection validating control signals when they are not needed. Network entities transmit connection validating control signals over network connections at regular intervals to validate that the network connections and the network entities remain functional. The method monitors data traffic fluctuations on the network connections to determine when connection validating control signals may not be needed. The method reduces unnecessary connection validating control signals in order to optimize the usage of network resources.
Claims20
A method for regulating transmission of control signals in a network, the network comprising a link connecting first and second network entities, the method comprising:
- transmitting control signals from the first network entity to the second network entity on the link at an initial control signal rate;
- monitoring a rate of data transmission on the link;
- and
- when the monitored rate of data transmission is below a threshold for a period of time, reducing the control signal rate and transmitting the control signals at a reduced control signal rate.
A non-transitory machine readable medium storing a program which when executed by at least one processing unit of a first network entity regulates transmission of control signals with a second network entity, the first and second network entities connected by a link, the program comprising sets of instructions for:
- establishing a control signal session on the link with the second network entity, wherein the first network entity receives control signals at an initial rate from the second network entity;
- monitoring a rate of data transmission over the link;
- and
- when the monitored rate of data transmission is below a threshold for a period of time, instructing the second network entity to reduce the rate at which it transmits control signals.
A system comprising:
- a network link for communicating information between a first network entity and a second network entity;
- the first network entity for transmitting control signals and data packets to the second network entity, wherein the control signals are transmitted at an initial control signal rate;
- and
- the second network entity for (i) monitoring a rate of data packets received from the first network entity, and (ii) instructing the first network entity to reduce the control signal rate when the monitored rate of data packets is below a threshold for a period of time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.