Communication Device Path Selection for Simultaneous Failure Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems with multiple backup paths for a working path cannot switch effectively between paths when both the working and backup paths fail, leading to data transfer issues during maintenance or simultaneous failures.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with multiple selection units, including a main and auxiliary selection unit, that determines the last selected path for communication, allowing for automatic switching between the working path and multiple backup paths using a protection protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protection scheme with a single backup path is used, then fast failure recovery (within 50 milliseconds) is achieved, but data cannot be transferred when both the working path and backup path fail simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the path selection function into multiple independent selection units (first selection unit, second selection unit, third selection unit), each capable of independently selecting between different path combinations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple independent path selection capabilities, enabling data transfer even when conventional single-backup-path schemes fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the traditional single-dimension path selection (working path vs. single backup path) to a multi-dimensional path selection space by introducing multiple selection units that can choose from different path combinations (working path + first backup path, second backup path, third backup path). This dimensional expansion provides alternative path selection routes when conventional paths fail simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple backup paths are provided for simultaneous failure scenarios, then data transfer capability under failure is improved, but path switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the complex path switching mechanism into multiple independent selection units, each handling a specific path selection task. The first selection unit manages switching between working path and first backup path, the second selection unit manages switching to second backup path, and the third selection unit manages switching to third backup path. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual switching decision while providing comprehensive coverage for multiple failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic path selection where selection units can adaptively choose between different path combinations based on real-time path status. The system dynamically switches between conventional protection mode (working path + single backup) and extended protection mode (multiple backup paths) depending on failure scenarios, optimizing both reliability and complexity management.
3Speed
If conventional protection protocol is used between working path and backup path, then fast switching is achieved, but switching cannot be carried out when both paths fail simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The invention pre-configures multiple backup paths (first backup path, second backup path, third backup path) and establishes protection relationships in advance before failures occur. Each selection unit is pre-programmed with path selection logic for different failure scenarios, enabling immediate switching without complex real-time computation when failures occur, thus maintaining fast switching speed while providing multiple fallback options.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the conventional two-path protection protocol to a multi-path protection space by introducing additional backup paths and selection units. This allows the system to operate in different protection modes: conventional mode (single backup path) for normal scenarios and extended mode (multiple backup paths) for simultaneous failures, thereby maintaining fast switching while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device communicates with a counterpart device via a working path or any of a plurality of backup paths. The communication device includes: a plurality of selection units which select either one of two paths, the plurality of selection units including a main selection unit and an auxiliary selection unit being different from the main selection unit; and a path determination unit which determines a path selected by one of the plurality of selection units which has last performed path selection to be a path to be used for communicating with the counterpart device. The main selection unit selects one path from between the working path and one of the plurality of backup paths. The auxiliary selection unit selects one path from between a path selected by one selection unit of the plurality of selection units and one of the plurality of backup paths, the one selection unit being different from the auxiliary selection unit.