CBRS Domain Proxy Cluster Fragmentation Detection and Healing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) networks, cluster fragmentation scenarios, known as 'split brain' scenarios, occur when active and standby domain proxy cluster instances lose communication, leading to uncertainty about whether to renew grants for radio devices, potentially causing network outages due to miscommunication with the Spectrum Access System (SAS).
Innovation Solution
A method where a CBRS domain proxy cluster instance detects expired transmit expiry times, communicates with both the radio device and SAS, and updates the transmit expiry time value to prevent miscommunication and ensure seamless service continuity by designating itself as active if necessary and sharing information upon reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a CBRS domain proxy cluster instance operates in a clustered configuration with active and standby instances, then service availability and redundancy are improved, but cluster fragmentation scenarios can occur leading to network outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where domain proxy cluster instances monitor the operational status of other instances in the cluster. When fragmentation is detected (standby instance cannot communicate with active instance), the system automatically responds by allowing the standby instance to assume the active role, thereby resolving the fragmentation issue and maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares standby domain proxy cluster instances in advance, configured to take over the active role if fragmentation occurs. This preliminary positioning of standby instances ensures that when communication failures happen, the system can quickly transition without service interruption, preventing the harmful effects of cluster fragmentation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If domain proxy cluster instances continuously monitor and update transmit expiry times, then service continuity is maintained, but communication failures can cause miscommunication with the SAS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the Spectrum Access System (SAS) and radio devices to verify the operational status of domain proxy cluster instances. When a standby instance detects that the active instance has ceased communication, the feedback mechanism triggers a role transition, ensuring that only functional instances continue to manage transmit expiry times, thus maintaining both continuity and communication accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The domain proxy cluster instances autonomously monitor their own operational status and the status of other instances. When fragmentation is detected, the standby instance self-determines to assume the active role without external intervention, ensuring continuous and accurate management of transmit expiry times without relying on potentially failed communication channels.
3Reliability
If a standby domain proxy cluster instance assumes the active role during fragmentation, then network outages are prevented, but role transition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the domain proxy cluster into distinct active and standby instances with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This segmentation simplifies the role transition process by establishing predetermined boundaries and protocols, reducing the complexity of coordination during fragmentation scenarios while ensuring reliable network operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a Citizens Broadband Radio Service, CBRS, domain proxy cluster instance for identifying and healing a cluster fragmentation scenario is disclosed. In one example, the method includes detecting, by the proxy cluster instance, that a transmit expiry time value for a supported radio device has expired or is about to expire; determining, by the proxy cluster instance, that communications with the supported radio device and a spectrum access system are available; utilizing an interface configured for conducting communications with the supported radio device to access a transmit expiry time value stored on the supported radio device; determining that an active proxy cluster instance belonging to the cluster has ceased communications with the supported radio device in response to detecting that a current transmit expiry time value stored on the supported radio has expired; and updating the supported radio device with a new transmit expiry time value.