Deterministic Track Insertion Slots for Movable Network Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional deterministic track implementations in deterministic networks assume fixed source devices, leading to recalculations when a movable network device detaches from one access point and attaches to another, disrupting deterministic path integrity.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a deterministic track with 'dual-entry' insertion slots along a repeatable sequence of access points, allowing data packets to be received from either the movable device or successive access points, ensuring continuous deterministic forwarding without recalculating the path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a deterministic track is established for a movable network device, then data packet forwarding reliability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to dual-entry insertion slot management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata packet forwarding reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deterministic track is segmented into multiple insertion slots along the path from source to destination. Each access point device manages its own insertion slot independently, allowing the movable device to inject packets at any point along the track without requiring global track recalculation. This segmentation maintains reliability while distributing management complexity across multiple nodes rather than centralizing it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Access point devices act as intermediaries that manage the dual-entry insertion slots. When a movable device detaches from one access point and attaches to another, the intermediary access points facilitate seamless packet forwarding by accepting packets from either the movable device or successive access points, thereby maintaining deterministic forwarding without requiring system-wide recalculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If deterministic track recalculation is performed when a movable device changes access points, then path integrity is maintained, but network latency increases due to recalculation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath integrityVSAvoidnetwork latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Deterministic tracks with dual-entry insertion slots are pre-established along possible paths that movable devices may traverse. Access points are pre-configured with insertion slot information before the movable device actually moves. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for real-time recalculation when the device changes access points, maintaining path integrity while avoiding recalculation delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The deterministic track structure is made dynamic to accommodate movable devices. Instead of fixed source-destination paths, the track allows insertion at multiple points along the route. When a movable device changes access points, the system dynamically adapts by accepting packets from the new access point's insertion slot without requiring complete track recalculation, thus reducing latency while maintaining integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual-entry insertion slots are allocated at each access point, then mobility support is improved, but control traffic overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility supportVSAvoidcontrol traffic overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The control traffic management is segmented and distributed across multiple access points rather than centralized. Each access point independently manages its own dual-entry insertion slot allocation based on local conditions and pre-configured track information. This segmentation reduces control traffic overhead by eliminating the need for centralized coordination while maintaining mobility support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Access points perform self-service in managing dual-entry insertion slots by using pre-configured track information and making local decisions about packet acceptance and forwarding. This self-service approach minimizes control traffic overhead by reducing the need for frequent coordination messages with central controllers, while still providing robust mobility support through autonomous local management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3211963B1Insertion slots along deterministic track for movable network device in a deterministic network
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP3211963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3211963B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3211963B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method comprises determining a movable network device is moving along a repeatable sequence of access point devices in a deterministic network; and establishing a deterministic track along the repeatable sequence of access point devices, the deterministic track comprising insertion slots allocated for insertion of a data packet, by the movable network device, into the deterministic track via any one of the respective access point devices.