Dynamic Gateway Switching in Distributed Resilient Network Interconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DRNI technologies do not effectively address the dynamic switching of gateways when a portal system breaks down or is removed from the aggregation group, leading to service cutoffs and requiring reappointment of main and backup gateways.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically switching gateways in DRNI, involving real-time synchronization of main and backup gateway information between portal systems, event detection, and updating gateways based on fault or recovery events, using a distributed relay control protocol (DRCP) to ensure seamless service or session forwarding without reappointment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the standard DRNI gateway appointment method is used, then the system structure is simple, but the service continuity is poor when portal systems fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes backup gateway relationships among portal systems before faults occur. Each portal system designates potential backup gateways in advance, so when a main gateway fails, the backup can immediately take over without requiring complex real-time selection or reappointment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a fault detection and notification mechanism where portal systems monitor each other's status. When a portal system detects that its designated main gateway is unavailable, it automatically notifies the backup gateway, which then activates to maintain service continuity. This feedback loop ensures reliable service while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple.
2Loss of time
If manual reappointment of gateways is performed after failure, then the system configuration is simple, but the service interruption time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the DRNI system to automatically detect gateway failures and perform self-healing by activating pre-designated backup gateways. The system monitors gateway status, detects failures, and executes switchover operations without requiring manual intervention, thereby minimizing service interruption time while maintaining reasonable automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-configuring backup gateway relationships and service forwarding rules before failures occur, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making and manual reappointment. When failures happen, the pre-established mechanisms automatically activate, significantly reducing service interruption time.
3Speed
If backup gateways are pre-designated, then the gateway switching speed is fast, but the information synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes service forwarding relationships and backup gateway mappings during normal operation. Service flow tables are pre-configured with backup paths, and portal systems maintain awareness of each other's gateway roles. This preliminary setup enables rapid switchover when failures occur, as the switching logic and routing information are already in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements status monitoring and notification mechanisms where portal systems exchange information about gateway availability and service forwarding states. This feedback ensures that all portal systems have synchronized information about current gateway roles and backup relationships, enabling fast switching while maintaining information consistency through structured communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for dynamically switching a gateway of a DRNI are provided. The method includes: synchronizing information of main and backup gateways of each portal system between a portal system of a DRNI end point and other portal systems of the present end point; the portal system detecting whether an event which triggers switching the main and backup gateways occurs or not; and updating a gateway of a service or session when the event which triggers switching the main and backup gateways is detected, a portal system in which a new main gateway of the service or session is located starting to forward the service or session via the main gateway, and a portal system in which the backup gateway of the service or session is located stopping forwarding the service or session via the backup gateway.