Distributed Network Device Backup for Replacement Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network topologies where network devices are connected in a neighboring manner, existing methods struggle to efficiently retain and restore device information, such as type and configuration data, especially after device replacement.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a decentralized backup method using a neighborhood discovery protocol for network devices to transmit and receive device information, allowing devices to store and retrieve information from neighbors, with a designated network device acting as a 'controller' to restore configuration data upon replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized control unit is used to store device information, then device information can be retained and restored, but the system complexity and single point of failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized backup function into distributed segments by having each network device store backups of its neighboring devices' information locally. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure in centralized systems while maintaining information retention capability across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
Each network device autonomously performs backup operations for its neighbors without requiring a central controller. The devices self-organize into a distributed backup system where each node contributes to the overall reliability, reducing system complexity while maintaining information safety.
2Ease of repair
If device information is stored in a centralized control unit, then configuration can be reassigned after device replacement, but the backup process becomes a bottleneck and recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup function is segmented across multiple network devices rather than concentrated in one control unit. This allows parallel backup operations where multiple devices simultaneously store information for replaced devices, dramatically reducing recovery time while maintaining ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
Network devices continuously maintain backup information in advance before replacement occurs. When a device fails, the backup information is already available at neighboring devices, eliminating the time-consuming process of retrieving information from a centralized controller during the recovery phase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unique identification is required for neighborhood discovery, then device type and class can be identified, but the protocol complexity and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the neighborhood discovery protocol universal by using standardized identification fields that work across different device types and classes. This single protocol structure handles various device scenarios without requiring complex device-specific extensions, maintaining adaptability while reducing protocol complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a backup method for network devices connected to a network and a network device designed for this purpose. In the method, network devices connected to a network are designed to use a protocol for neighborhood discovery and can transmit their own device information, in accordance with a network topology used for the network, to neighboring network devices connected to the network, and are designed to use the protocol for neighborhood discovery, and can receive device information, in accordance with the network topology, from neighboring network devices, designed to use the protocol for neighborhood discovery.