With shortest path bridging MAC (SPBM), shortest path trees are computed based on link metrics from each node to all other participating nodes. When an edge bridge receives a frame, it selects a path along which to forward the frame to its destination node from multiple shortest paths. Blocking ports are eliminated to allow full use of the network links. This approach is expected to use network resources efficiently and to simplify the operating procedure. However, there is only one multipath distribution point in the SPBM network. This type of network can be defined as an end-to-end multipath network. Edge bridges need to split flows to achieve the load balancing of the entire network. This paper proposes a rate-based path selection scheme that can be employed for end-to-end multipath networks including SPBM. The proposed scheme assumes that a path with a low average rate will be congested because the TCP flow rates decrease on a congested path. When a new flow arrives at an edge bridge, it selects the path with the highest average rate since this should provide the new flow with the highest rate. The performance of the proposed scheme is confirmed by computer simulations. The appropriate timeout value is estimated from the expected round trip time (RTT). If an appropriate timeout value is used, the proposed scheme can realize good load balancing. The proposed scheme improves the efficiency of link utilization and throughput fairness. The performance is not affected by differences in the RTT or traffic congestion outside the SPBM network.

In recent years, Ethernet fabrics have been developed with a view to using resources efficiently and simplifying the operation of data center networks. With Ethernet fabrics, frames are forwarded along the shortest paths based on routing tables without blocking ports. Ethernet fabrics are expected to be employed in more general networks including carrier access networks. In particular, the use of shortest path bridging MAC (SPBM) is expected to allow smooth migration from existing networks. With SPBM, networks can be flexibly constructed on demand in any network topology. If an arbitrary topology is constructed, traffic paths can overlap on specific links and throughput unfairness occurs. However, it is difficult to achieve accurate weighted fairness with existing schemes. This paper proposes employing weighted N rate N+1 color marking (WNRN+1CM) in SPBM networks to achieve per-flow weighted fairness. WNRN+1CM was developed to realize weighted fairness in layer-2 ring networks and the applicability to other network topologies has not yet been discussed. The outline of WNRN+1CM in SPBM is as follows. The weight and the maximum rate are provided for each flow at edge bridges. When edge bridges receive frames from outside the SPBM domain, they assign colors to frames according to the input rate and the weight of each flow. The color indicates the dropping priority. If the input rate exceeds the maximum rate, frames are discarded to limit the throughput. Core bridges selectively discard frames based on their color and the dropping threshold when congestion occurs. The bandwidth is allocated based on the weights. The performance of WNRN+1CM is evaluated with a theoretical analysis and computer simulations. WNRN+1CM can achieve weighted fairness in aggregation networks and multipoint networks. The throughput ratio matches the weights and the flow throughputs are limited to their maximum rate regardless of changes in traffic.