Communication Path Link-State Inference from Error Duration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional free space optical communication systems face instability due to external disturbances, leading to increased link downtime and flapping, with existing methods failing to effectively infer and react to link states.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that includes signal processing to detect errors, inferring link states based on error duration, and providing notification of link state information to enable appropriate reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional error detection and link state monitoring methods are used in free space optical communication, then communication can be maintained under normal conditions, but link downtime increases and flapping occurs when external disturbances affect the communication quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively switching to a backup communication path before the primary path completely fails. The system monitors error durations and predicts potential link failures, allowing it to pre-establish alternative routes. This prevents complete link downtime by having ready-to-use backup paths when disturbances occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining multiple standby communication paths that can be activated when the primary path experiences disturbances. These backup paths act as a cushion against complete link failure, ensuring continuous communication even when external disturbances affect the primary path.
2Measurement precision
If conventional error detection methods are used, then errors can be identified, but flapping occurs resulting in unstable network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting error duration patterns and predicting potential link failures before they cause flapping. The system monitors errors over time and takes preventive action by switching to backup paths before complete failures occur, thereby preventing the oscillation between link up and down states that causes flapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring error durations and using this information to dynamically adjust communication path selection. The system feeds back link quality information to the path selection mechanism, enabling it to respond to deteriorating conditions and switch paths before flapping occurs, thus stabilizing the network.
3Adaptability or versatility
If link state inference based on error duration is implemented, then suitable path selection can be achieved, but additional signal processing and monitoring requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the error detection and duration monitoring mechanism to serve multiple functions: it detects errors, infers link states, predicts failures, and triggers path switching. This multi-functional approach avoids adding separate complex systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving adaptable path selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the communication system to automatically monitor its own link quality, infer link states from error patterns, and select appropriate paths without external intervention. The system uses its existing error detection capabilities to self-diagnose link conditions and self-correct by switching paths, reducing the need for additional complex external monitoring infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a communication apparatus capable of inferring the link state of a communication path and suitably reacting to the link state. The communication apparatus includes at least one processor. The at least one processor carries out: a process of detecting an error by subjecting a signal received by communication to signal processing; a process of inferring a link state of a communication path based at least on duration of the error; and a process of providing notification of information related to the link state.