Automatic Bundle Interface Resynchronization in Frame Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Multi-Link Frame Relay protocols require manual intervention for physical relocation of bundle links, leading to operational disruptions and inefficiencies, as they do not allow automatic resynchronization of bundle interfaces when links are relocated.

Innovation Solution

Implementing automatic resynchronization techniques that allow bundle interfaces to relearn peer connections and synchronize without manual intervention by using a new link state machine state ('AUTO_SYNC') and enabling automatic deletion and re-provisioning of bundle interface identification data when all links are physically relocated to a new bundle interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention is used for physical relocation of bundle links, then synchronization can be maintained, but operational disruptions and inefficiencies occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization maintenanceVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bundle interface automatically detects when all its links have been physically relocated to a new bundle interface and initiates resynchronization without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors link status and autonomously performs the relearning and synchronization process, eliminating the need for operator involvement while maintaining reliable synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures the resynchronization mechanism by establishing a link state machine that includes an AUTO_SYNC state. When link relocation is detected, the preliminary synchronization data and state machine logic are already in place to enable immediate automatic resynchronization, preventing operational disruptions before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automatic resynchronization is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The link state machine is made dynamic by adding an AUTO_SYNC state that transitions based on real-time link status detection. When all links are detected to be relocated, the state machine automatically transitions to resynchronization mode, enabling the system to adapt to physical changes without requiring complex manual configuration or external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors link status and uses this feedback to determine when automatic resynchronization should be initiated. By detecting the physical relocation of all links and responding accordingly, the system creates a closed-loop control mechanism that simplifies operation while managing complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual re-provisioning is performed for link relocation, then synchronization accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidre-provisioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bundle interface automatically performs the re-provisioning process by detecting link relocation and initiating resynchronization without operator intervention. The system autonomously manages the entire re-provisioning cycle, eliminating the time-consuming manual steps while maintaining synchronization accuracy through automated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares resynchronization logic in advance through the link state machine configuration. When link relocation is detected, the preliminary resynchronization routine is immediately executed, eliminating delays associated with manual re-provisioning setup and ensuring rapid, accurate synchronization restoration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7440420B2Automatic resynchronization of physically relocated links in a multi-link frame relay system
Publication Date: 2008.10.21 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US7440420B2 patent drawing
  • US7440420B2 patent drawing
  • US7440420B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are described which are operable to resynchronize bundle interfaces associated with network devices. Where all of a plurality of connections between previously synchronized first and second bundle interfaces have been physically relocated from the second bundle interface to a third bundle interface, synchronization of the first and third bundle interfaces is achieved without manual intervention.