Enhanced Retry Method for Unaddressed Test Devices in LAG Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks, especially those using Link Aggregation Groups (LAGs), maintaining communication with unaddressed test devices is challenging due to dynamic load balancing and the complexity of managing multiple IP addresses, which can lead to lost connections and increased costs from managing separate management networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for re-establishing communication between a control device and an unaddressed test device by maintaining a plurality of network addresses, resending command messages with different destination addresses, and using acknowledgement messages to confirm connection, allowing for communication restoration without relying on unique IP addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device is assigned a unique IP address for communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and network management cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling network nodes to serve multiple functions: they act as both regular communication participants and as relay nodes for unaddressed devices. Any node in the network can assume the role of communicating with unaddressed devices on behalf of the controlling device, eliminating the need for dedicated management network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary nodes (other network participants) that mediate communication between the controlling device and unaddressed test devices. When the controlling device needs to communicate with an unaddressed device, it sends messages to intermediary nodes which then forward them to the correct destination, allowing communication without direct addressing.
2Productivity
If dynamic load balancing is implemented in LAGs, then network throughput and resilience are improved, but communication stability with unaddressed devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embraces dynamics by making the message forwarding behavior adaptive to network conditions. The system dynamically determines which nodes should forward messages to unaddressed devices based on current network state, allowing it to work effectively with dynamic load balancing while maintaining communication stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where nodes provide information about message delivery status and network conditions. The controlling device uses this feedback to adjust its communication strategy, sending messages through different intermediary nodes based on observed network behavior and delivery success rates.
3Ease of operation
If separate management networks are used for unaddressed devices, then communication control is improved, but network cost and scalability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management network functionality into the existing data network infrastructure. Instead of maintaining separate management networks, the system uses the same network infrastructure for both data transmission and device management, eliminating redundant infrastructure while maintaining full control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes regular network nodes universal by enabling them to perform both data forwarding and management functions. Ordinary network participants can act as relay nodes for unaddressed devices, eliminating the need for dedicated management network infrastructure and reducing overall network resource requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of re-establishing communication between a control device and an unaddressed test device connected in a network is provided. The method includes: maintaining a plurality of network addresses of nodes within the network, at the control device; resending a lost message, comprising sending a plurality of command messages, each including a command sent in the lost message and having a destination address different from a destination address of the lost message, wherein the plurality of network addresses comprises the destination addresses of the plurality of command messages; and, receiving an acknowledgement message from the unaddressed test device at the control device.