Communication Apparatus Fault Detection and Line Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems using multi-chassis link aggregation (MC-LAG) technology, faults in control signals can hinder the switchover of main signal paths, leading to increased switching times and reduced bandwidth, making it difficult to maintain main signal communication when control signal transmission to redundant partners is unachievable.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a first port connected to a ring line, a second port connected to an external access line, and a third port for control signal transmission, equipped with circuitry that detects faults in the control line and switches the access line from active to standby, while shutting down the first port if a fault is detected, allowing for continuous main signal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MC-LAG technology is used to make the access line redundant, then system reliability is improved, but the switching time increases and bandwidth is reduced when faults occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into independent control line monitoring and main signal path components. The control line fault detection is separated from the main signal transmission path, allowing the main signal to be switched without waiting for control signal confirmation. This segmentation enables the access line switchover to proceed independently, reducing switching time while maintaining reliability through separate fault monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary fault detection and line status monitoring before faults actually impact communication. By continuously monitoring the control line and detecting faults in advance, the system can pre-position the standby access line for immediate activation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for lengthy fault diagnosis during switching, thereby reducing switching time while maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If control signal transmission is maintained during fault conditions, then system control is preserved, but bandwidth for main signal transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates control signal transmission from main signal transmission by using dedicated control lines independent of the main signal paths. This segmentation allows control signals to be monitored and transmitted through separate channels (control lines) without consuming bandwidth of the main signal transmission medium (access lines). Consequently, full bandwidth is available for main signal transmission even during fault conditions, while system control is maintained through the separate control line infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control lines as intermediary channels specifically dedicated to control signal transmission. These intermediary control lines act as separate communication paths that do not compete with main signal bandwidth. By using this intermediary infrastructure, the system maintains control functionality during faults without reducing the bandwidth available for main data transmission on the access lines.
3Measurement precision
If fault detection in control line is implemented, then accurate fault identification is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into dedicated control line monitoring modules that operate independently from main signal processing. This segmentation allows simple, focused fault detection on control lines without requiring complex analysis of main signal traffic. The monitoring is performed on separate, dedicated channels, reducing the complexity of fault detection algorithms while maintaining high accuracy for identifying control line faults.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses control lines as simplified copies or representations of the access line connectivity status. Instead of monitoring complex main signal transmission to detect faults, the system monitors the simpler control line signals that mirror the operational state of access lines. This copying approach provides accurate fault detection with reduced complexity, as control line monitoring is inherently simpler than main signal analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first port coupled to a first apparatus through a ring line, a second port coupled to a second apparatus through a second line, the second apparatus disposed external to the ring line, the second line configured redundantly with a first line between the first apparatus and the second apparatus, a third port coupled to the first apparatus through a control line for a control signal concerning the first line, and circuitry that detects a fault in the control line, wherein the circuitry detects a fault in the second line, switches the second line from an active line to a standby line in accordance with the detection of the fault in the second line, and while the fault in the control line is detected, shuts down the first port in accordance with the detection of the fault in the second line.