Border Node Traffic Convergence via Pre-Established Backup Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
In networks, especially software-defined networks (SDNs), changes in network traffic routing at border nodes can cause delays, leading to disruptions, congestion, and packet drops due to the time it takes to propagate routing updates and establish alternate paths.
Innovation Solution
The system implements a method for network traffic convergence by transmitting default router registrations from border nodes to a mapping function, establishing backup paths, detecting changes in external traffic connections, and rerouting traffic through these backup paths to minimize disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routing policies and functions are propagated in traditional SDN networks, then network traffic can be routed between internal network fabrics and external networks, but delays occur in traffic transmission when network changes are implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes backup paths in advance before network changes occur. When a border node detects a network change, it can immediately switch to pre-established backup paths, eliminating the delay associated with propagating routing policies and establishing new paths dynamically. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by preparing alternative routes beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where border nodes maintain backup paths as a cushion against network changes. This cushioning approach ensures that when disruptions occur, there are already alternative paths available to absorb the impact, preventing traffic loss and reducing transmission delays during network transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If routing updates are propagated through the network, then network connectivity can be maintained, but congestion and packet drops occur during the transition period
Solution Approach 1:
Backup paths are established in advance before network changes trigger congestion. When routing updates are propagated, traffic can immediately shift to pre-prepared backup paths, avoiding the congestion and packet drops that occur during traditional path establishment transitions. This eliminates the harmful effects during the adaptability transition period.
Solution Approach 2:
The border node acts as an intermediary that detects network changes and orchestrates the switch to backup paths. This intermediary function allows smooth traffic transition without propagating congestion throughout the network, as the border node locally manages the switch to alternative paths before congestion can spread.
3Productivity
If traditional routing propagation methods are used, then network policies can be updated, but disruptions in traffic transmission occur between internal network fabrics and external networks
Solution Approach 1:
Backup paths are pre-established to maintain productivity during network policy updates. When changes occur, traffic can continuously flow through backup paths while routing policies are updated, eliminating disruptions and maintaining both productivity and reliability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous traffic flow by maintaining backup paths that can immediately take over when network changes occur. This continuity mechanism allows useful action (traffic transmission) to persist without interruption, resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and ensuring reliability during routing updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for network routing border convergence are described. Backup paths for external connections for a network are established and provide for a temporary path for network traffic during network routing convergence, preventing traffic loss at network border nodes.