Adaptive Bandwidth Microwave Link Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Layer 3 ring protection schemes are inadequate for microwave links with adaptive modulation, as they fail to account for bandwidth degradation, leading to incomplete or incorrect triggering of rerouting protocols, resulting in service disruptions and data loss in wireless communication networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that calculates a new cost for microwave links based on current bandwidth, number of nodes, and nominal bandwidth, allowing routers to reroute traffic away from degraded links and maintain average bandwidth per flow within a tolerance level, using adaptive coding and modulation schemes to adjust bandwidth in discrete steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If Layer 3 ring protection schemes are used with fixed bandwidth assumptions, then the protection mechanism is simple to implement, but it fails to account for bandwidth degradation under fading conditions, leading to incomplete rerouting triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed bandwidth assumptions to dynamic bandwidth monitoring. The system continuously monitors actual bandwidth under fading conditions and adjusts protection triggering decisions accordingly, allowing the protection mechanism to adapt to changing network conditions rather than relying on static configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring actual bandwidth performance and using this information to adjust protection triggering. The system compares measured bandwidth against thresholds and modifies rerouting decisions based on real-time conditions, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that improves trigger accuracy.
2Reliability
If bandwidth monitoring and adaptive rerouting is implemented, then traffic rerouting accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to continuous monitoring and cost calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the network system to automatically monitor its own bandwidth conditions and make rerouting decisions without external intervention. The system self-adjusts by calculating costs based on monitored bandwidth and autonomously triggering protection mechanisms when thresholds are breached.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting link costs based on monitored bandwidth conditions. Instead of using fixed cost values, the system modifies cost parameters in real-time according to actual network performance, enabling adaptive rerouting while managing complexity through parameter-based control.
3Productivity
If conservative bandwidth thresholds are used for protection triggering, then false rerouting is reduced, but legitimate bandwidth degradation may not be detected in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing bandwidth thresholds and monitoring mechanisms in advance before degradation occurs. The system is pre-configured with appropriate thresholds and continuous monitoring is maintained, enabling rapid detection and response when degradation exceeds acceptable levels without requiring reactive adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a current bandwidth characteristic for a link, where the current bandwidth characteristic is determined under fading conditions associated with signal propagation on the link. The method can also include calculating a new cost for the link that is different from a nominal cost associated with a nominal bandwidth of the link without the fading conditions. The method could also include routing at least a portion of a plurality of flows that are to traverse the link away from the link based, at least in part, on the new cost. Another example method includes receiving the current bandwidth characteristic for the link, comparing the current bandwidth characteristic with a preconfigured low watermark corresponding to a class-specific MTR topology associated with a class of traffic traversing the link, and removing the link from the MTR topology based on the current bandwidth characteristic.