Coordinated Reboot Mechanism for Wireless Network Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upgrades to wireless network elements often cause service interruptions, disrupting connectivity for users as existing systems lack efficient mechanisms to manage updates without affecting ongoing communications.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated reboot mechanism where wireless access points migrate to an alternate central controller before the primary controller reboots, ensuring continuous connectivity by maintaining network infrastructure associations during the update process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless network elements are upgraded, then system functionality and performance are improved, but service interruptions occur causing connectivity disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by migrating access points to alternate central controllers before the primary controller is upgraded or rebooted. This ensures that connectivity is maintained in advance of the upgrade operation, preventing service interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
Alternate central controllers serve as intermediary systems that temporarily assume the role of primary controllers during upgrade operations. These intermediaries maintain wireless client connectivity while the primary controller undergoes upgrades, resolving the contradiction between upgrading and maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If central controllers are rebooted for updates, then system reliability is improved, but service disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring wireless clients remain connected to the network throughout the controller reboot process. Access points migrate to alternate controllers that continue providing service, eliminating gaps in useful network operation during updates.
Solution Approach 2:
Migration to alternate controllers is performed as a preliminary action before the primary controller reboots. This preparatory step ensures service continuity is established in advance, preventing any loss of time or service disruption during the actual reboot operation.
3Reliability
If access points migrate to alternate controllers, then service continuity is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple central controllers are configured with identical or similar functionalities, making them universally interchangeable. Each controller can serve as a primary or alternate controller, providing multi-functionality that simplifies the migration process despite having multiple controllers in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller system is segmented into multiple independent units (primary and alternate controllers) that can operate autonomously. This segmentation allows access points to migrate between units without requiring complex interdependencies, managing system complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a plurality of network elements for reinitiation, wherein the network elements are operative to manage at least one child element; selecting a first network element from the plurality of network elements, transmitting a disable message to the first network element; determining whether the at least one child element has migrated to one or more alternate network elements; and conditionally transmitting a reinitiation message to the first network element.