Dual Ring Communications Network Fault Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Ethernet networks with tree topologies, loops can cause packet duplication, reducing bandwidth and service quality, and standard protocols like Spanning Tree Protocol take too long to converge, exceeding five seconds in large networks, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A communications network with a dual ring topology where each communicating station is connected to two adjacent stations via ring connections, allowing the network to reconfigure dynamically upon fault detection by selecting a master station and controlling data flow, and using switches and controllers to deactivate ring connections and manage power distribution, ensuring redundancy and self-healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Spanning Tree Protocol is used to ensure loop-free topology, then packet duplication is prevented, but convergence time exceeds five seconds which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by implementing a dual-ring topology that can dynamically switch between different operational states. The system transitions from a static loop-free configuration to a dynamic system where the ring connections can be rapidly reconfigured upon fault detection, enabling convergence in less than five seconds while maintaining reliability through automatic failover mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the Parameter changes principle by altering the topological parameters of the network from a traditional tree structure to a dual-ring structure. This parameter change enables the network to achieve both loop-free operation and rapid convergence by modifying how connections are established and maintained, allowing quick transition between active and standby paths without the delays associated with traditional spanning tree protocols.
2Reliability
If redundant links are included to provide automatic backup paths, then reliability is improved, but convergence time increases to more than five seconds depending on network scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Preliminary action principle by pre-configuring dual-ring topologies with designated primary and secondary paths before faults occur. The controllers are pre-programmed with failover logic and the network topology is pre-established with redundant connections ready for immediate activation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during failures, enabling convergence in under five seconds while maintaining reliable backup paths.
3Reliability
If ring connections are configured to provide redundancy, then survivability over equipment failure is improved, but packet duplication may occur causing reduction in available bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Taking out principle by selectively deactivating specific ring connections under controller management to prevent packet duplication while maintaining redundancy. The controller identifies and isolates the appropriate path to break loops dynamically, extracting only the necessary redundant connection for failover while keeping the primary path active for normal data flow. This ensures survivability through maintained redundancy while preserving bandwidth by preventing harmful packet duplication.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications network including a plurality of communicating stations, each communicating station being connectable to two adjacent communicating stations via respective ring connections, the ring connections being arranged to define at least one communications ring interconnecting the plurality of communicating stations, the network being adapted to at least partially reconfigure the ring connections in response to detection of at least one network fault.