Dual Homing Interconnection for Loop-Free Network Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual homing configurations in L2 networks and VPLS networks face challenges in achieving fully redundant loop-free connectivity, as they often result in L2 loops and require extensive CCN messaging, leading to traffic overload and reliability issues, especially when connecting networks with different administration and mixed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A dual homing connection system with a ring-like structure involving four nodes and four communication lines, where two lines connect inter-network pairs and two lines connect intra-network pairs, allowing each intra-network node pair to run a loop protocol independently, enabling self-configuring and self-healing to prevent L2 loops and minimize CCN messaging to local networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual homing configuration is used to provide redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but L2 loops are created causing traffic duplication and network instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dual homing configuration by introducing a ring-like structure with four nodes where each intra-network node pair independently runs a loop protocol. This segmentation allows the network to maintain redundancy while preventing L2 loops through localized protocol execution at each node pair, eliminating the harmful traffic duplication effect.
2Reliability
If extensive CCN messaging is used to maintain loop-free topology, then L2 loop prevention is achieved, but network traffic overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the loop prevention function from global CCN messaging and implements it locally at each intra-network node pair through an independent loop protocol. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive CCN messaging across the entire network, preventing traffic overload while maintaining loop-free topology through localized protocol execution.
3Reliability
If fully redundant dual homing is implemented, then fault tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each intra-network node pair to independently run a loop protocol and automatically configure themselves. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining full redundancy, as each node pair autonomously manages its own loop prevention without requiring complex centralized configuration or coordination.
4Reliability
If loop protocol is run across multiple networks, then loop prevention is achieved, but protocol complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the loop protocol execution to run independently at each intra-network node pair rather than across the entire multi-network system. This segmentation reduces protocol complexity and coordination requirements by localizing the protocol execution, while still achieving comprehensive loop prevention through the ring-like structure that interconnects all node pairs.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamically self-configuring and re-configuring dual homing connection (DH) for loop-free data communication between a first communication network and a second communication network, the DH acquiring either a Symmetrical configuration or an Asymmetrical configuration.