Dynamic Backup Link Failover via Adaptive Synthetic Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining an active wireless backup link in telecommunication networks are inefficient and costly due to the need for frequent synthetic packet transmission, which consumes significant bandwidth, especially when the primary link is lightly utilized.
Innovation Solution
A system where a networking device monitors the amount of user packets on the primary link and adjusts the rate of synthetic packet transmission on the secondary link based on the primary link's utilization, focusing on high-priority or specific types of packets to optimize bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic packets are sent at regular short intervals (e.g., 100 msec) to keep the backup link active, then the backup link remains active and ready for fast failover, but bandwidth consumption on the secondary link increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the synthetic packet transmission rate variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the interval between synthetic packets based on the current utilization level of the primary link. When primary link utilization is low, synthetic packets are sent less frequently, reducing bandwidth consumption. When primary link utilization is high, synthetic packets are sent more frequently to ensure backup link readiness. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining backup link availability and minimizing bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of synthetic packet transmission interval from a fixed value (e.g., 100 msec) to a variable parameter that adapts based on primary link conditions. By monitoring primary link utilization and adjusting the synthetic packet interval accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between backup link readiness and bandwidth efficiency. This parameter change allows the system to reduce unnecessary transmissions when the primary link is lightly utilized while maintaining adequate failover readiness when needed.
2Loss of time
If synthetic packets are sent frequently to ensure backup link readiness, then fast failover is achieved, but cost increases due to pay-by-use wireless billing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts synthetic packet transmission frequency based on real-time primary link utilization monitoring. This dynamic approach ensures that the backup link is maintained at an appropriate readiness level without over-provisioning, thereby reducing costs while maintaining acceptable failover times. The transmission rate adapts to actual network conditions rather than using a conservative fixed rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the synthetic packet interval a variable parameter tied to primary link utilization metrics. This allows the system to optimize the trade-off between failover time and cost by adjusting the transmission parameter according to actual network conditions, rather than using a static parameter that must account for worst-case scenarios.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the backup link is kept active with high synthetic packet rate, then connection stability is maintained, but bandwidth efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a variable synthetic packet transmission rate that responds to primary link utilization conditions. This dynamic transmission strategy maintains connection stability on the backup link by sending synthetic packets frequently enough to prevent connection teardown, while simultaneously improving bandwidth efficiency by reducing transmission frequency when the primary link is lightly utilized. The system adapts its behavior to actual network conditions rather than using a fixed aggressive transmission rate.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for efficient fast failover of a primary link to a secondary link comprising monitoring an amount of user packets on said primary link and sending synthetic packets on said secondary link at a predetermined rate based on said amount of user packets wherein said predetermined rate is changed as a function of change in said amount of user packets.