As SD-WAN technology evolves, finding new ways to optimize data transfer is critical. Balancing algorithms are crucial to ensure efficiency. Balancing algorithms determine how packets are distributed across the multiple circuits that connect a site or SD-WAN node to the network. Efficient balancing algorithms are critical if packets are to arrive in a timely fashion so that they can be re-assembled into a coherent stream.
In this blog post, we discuss three of Turnium’s balancing algorithms and their application in SD-WAN.
1. Weighted Round Robin: Best of Simplicity and Efficiency
Our journey begins with the elegant simplicity of the Weighted Round Robin algorithm. Picture a scenario where multiple legs or circuits are bonded together in the SD-WAN and each circuit has varying bandwidth capacities. Weighted Round Robin acts as the conductor or maestro, distributing packets based on the proportion of bandwidth available in each circuit.
If, for instance, one circuit boasts double the bandwidth of another, Turnium’s Weighted Round Robin balancing algorithm ensures that two-thirds of the packets traverse the higher bandwidth leg, while the remaining third elegantly glides through the other.
Weighted Round Robin is particularly appealing due to its simplicity coupled with minimal CPU overhead, making it a go-to choice in various networking scenarios.
2. Flowlet: Navigating the Dynamics of Specialized Balancing
The next Turnium balancing algorithm is Flowlet. Imagine a bustling conference in which attendees are accessing the network through an SD-WAN edge device. Flowlet takes center stage in this dynamic environment.
Unlike its counterparts, Flowlet assigns each flow to a single circuit, allowing for adaptability as flows may be reassigned to different circuits after an idle period. While less commonly utilized, Flowlet is invaluable in scenarios that demand dynamic and specialized balancing such as high-traffic situations like conferences.
In comparing Flowlet to Weighted Round Robin, Flowlet operates based on data flows instead of a packet-by-packet basis.
3. IDMPQ: Intelligent Dynamic Multipath QoS — Navigating Complexity with Precision
For the most intricate and demanding networking scenarios, the Intelligent Dynamic Multipath QoS (IDMPQ) algorithm takes the spotlight. This sophisticated algorithm takes into account factors such as delay, speed, and queue size on the bonded circuits.
While IDMPQ introduces a slightly higher CPU overhead, it delivers significant benefits. IDMPQ is the solution of choice for access circuits with diverse characteristics and allows circuits as diverse as DSL, Cable, and LTE to be used simultaneously. Its unique ability to minimize reordering and make decisions based on factors like delay positions makes it highly useful in these scenarios.
Peak Performance Requires More…
Each of these balancing algorithms used in combination with other Turnium features such as Bandwidth Adaptation, Quality of Service, and effective line tuning, ensures that network performance and end-user experience are optimized.
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