DRCP Message Exchange for Node Protection in Distributed Resilient Network Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network communication technologies, such as IEEE 802.1AX, primarily focus on link protection and fail to effectively protect nodes at the network edge interface in network-to-network interconnection scenarios, leading to issues like message out-of-order, ring formation, and message loss due to inconsistent message distribution methods among systems in a DRNI.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for information interaction between systems in a DRNI using a distributed relay control protocol (DRCP) that involves sending DRCP messages to determine operational key values and negotiate unified conversation distribution ways, ensuring consistent system information and traffic distribution across systems within a portal, thereby forming a resilient network interconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distributed relay control protocol (DRCP) messages are sent to determine operational key values and negotiate unified conversation distribution ways, then message distribution consistency is improved and message loss is prevented, but system complexity increases due to additional protocol interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distributed relay control protocol (DRCP) as an intermediary mechanism that mediates communication between systems in the same portal. The DRCP message carries operational key values and conversation distribution way information, acting as a mediator to establish consistency without requiring direct complex interactions between all systems. This resolves the contradiction by providing a structured intermediary layer that improves reliability while managing complexity through protocol standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes operational key values as changeable parameters that systems exchange through DRCP messages. By negotiating and synchronizing these parameters (operational key values and conversation distribution ways), the system achieves consistent message distribution. The parameter-based approach allows flexible adaptation while maintaining consistency, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If systems within a portal use inconsistent message distribution ways, then device configuration flexibility is improved, but harmful effects occur such as message out of order, ring formation, and message loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where systems exchange DRCP messages containing their operational key values and conversation distribution ways. Each system provides feedback about its configuration state, and through this feedback loop, systems can detect and correct inconsistent distribution methods. The feedback enables systems to identify potential harmful conditions (like ring formation risks) and adjust their distribution ways to maintain consistency, thus preventing harmful effects while preserving flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having systems negotiate and agree on unified conversation distribution ways before actual message traffic flows. The DRCP interaction establishes operational key values and distribution configurations in advance, preventing inconsistent distribution methods from causing harmful effects. This preliminary configuration step ensures that when messages are actually transmitted, the distribution paths are already validated and consistent, preventing message out of order and ring formation.
3Reliability
If port aggregation is used for link protection, then link reliability is improved, but node protection capability is insufficient as it cannot protect nodes at the network edge interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the traditional port aggregation mechanism by introducing distributed relay functionality that serves multiple purposes. The same infrastructure that provides link protection through aggregation also enables node protection capabilities through the DRCP protocol. The system achieves multi-functionality where a single mechanism (distributed relay with DRCP) provides both link-level and node-level protection, as well as enabling systems to form logical nodes that can be protected at the network edge interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protection functionality into distinct layers: link protection through aggregation and node protection through distributed relay control. By separating these functions into manageable segments (link layer vs. node layer), the system can independently optimize each protection mechanism. The distributed relay control protocol operates at the node level to provide protection capabilities that complement the link-level aggregation, enabling comprehensive protection without requiring a complete redesign of the aggregation mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and system for information interaction between systems in a same portal in a distributed resilient network interconnection, wherein the method is applied to each system in an portal in a link aggregation group, including: sending a distributed relay control protocol (DRCP) message through an intra-portal interface, wherein at least system information of a present system is carried; after receiving a DRCP message sent by an adjacent system, if it is determined that the present system and the adjacent system can form one portal in the distributed resilient network interconnection, determining an operational Key value of the present system. The system includes: a sending state machine, a receiving state machine, a negotiating state machine, a synchronizing state machine and a periodic sending state machine. The embodiments of the present invention can be used to realize control communication between a plurality of systems in one portal in a distributed link aggregation group, and can effectively realize protection on the interconnected interface, not only protection on the link but also protection at the level of node, after the plurality of systems are aggregated into one aggregation group.