Broadband Switchover in Ring Networks via Access Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unidirectional ring networks are vulnerable to disruptions due to single link failures, which can isolate all nodes attached to the ring, leading to communication breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
Designating a gateway device as an 'access fault detection agent' to receive failure messages from ring devices and switch the master device in case of a link failure, ensuring seamless broadband subscriber switchover by rerouting traffic through a peer gateway device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a unidirectional ring topology is used, then the network structure is simple and easy to implement, but the network becomes vulnerable to disruptions from single link failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designates a specific gateway device as the access fault detection agent before any failure occurs. This pre-configuration enables immediate fault detection and switchover capability when a link failure happens, resolving the contradiction by preparing the system in advance rather than reacting after the failure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a peer gateway device as an intermediary that can take over service provision when the master gateway fails. This intermediary gateway provides a backup pathway for traffic, maintaining network reliability while preserving the simplicity of the unidirectional ring topology
2Device complexity
If a single pathway through the ring is used, then the network configuration is simple, but a node failure or cable break isolates every node attached to the ring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the network by enabling dynamic role assignment between master and peer gateways. When a failure occurs, the peer gateway transitions from standby to active service provision, changing the network's operational state to maintain connectivity and prevent node isolation
3Device complexity
If no fault detection mechanism is implemented, then the system operates with fewer components, but link failures cannot be quickly identified or mitigated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designates a specific gateway device as the access fault detection agent before any failure occurs. This pre-configuration enables immediate fault detection and switchover capability when a link failure happens, resolving the contradiction by preparing the system in advance rather than reacting after the failure
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway devices monitor their own operational status and automatically detect failures without requiring external monitoring systems. The designated access fault detection agent uses its own resources to detect and respond to failures, eliminating the need for additional dedicated monitoring hardware or software
Data Source
AI summary
Broadband subscriber switchover may be provided. First, a first gateway device may receive a first failure message from a first ring device. The first gateway device may be designated as an access fault detection agent among a plurality of gateway devices. Next, the first gateway device may receive a second failure message from a second ring device. The second failure message may be received via a second gateway device. The first ring device and the second ring device may be in an open-ring. Then the first gateway device may determine that the first ring device has been cut off from the second gateway device based upon the first failure message and the second failure message. The second gateway device may be a master device for the first ring device. The master device for the first ring device may then be switched from the second gateway device to the first gateway device.