Ethernet APS Operational Status Testing via Signal Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional Ethernet-based automatic protection switching (APS) process faces challenges in accurately testing operational status due to conflicts between new response types (RR) and existing priority protocols, leading to operational inconsistencies and potential transmission path interceptions.
Innovation Solution
An operational status testing apparatus and method that filters test command signals, generates appropriate response signals, and determines output signals based on priority selection units to ensure compatibility with ITU-T recommendation G.8031, thereby maintaining protection switching status and resolving priority conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a new response type (RR) is defined to distinguish test command responses from normal responses, then operational status testing accuracy is improved, but conflict with existing priority protocols occurs leading to operational inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the response signal processing into distinct paths: one for test command responses (RR) and another for normal responses (NR, DNR). The received signal filtering unit separately handles RR signals by generating corresponding test response signals, while normal responses are processed through the existing priority comparison mechanism. This segmentation allows the new RR response type to coexist with existing protocols without causing operational inconsistencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing mechanism (received signal filtering unit and top priority local request selection unit) that mediates between the new RR response type and the existing priority protocol. This intermediary layer translates RR signals into appropriate test response signals while maintaining compatibility with the established priority-based request handling mechanism, thereby resolving the conflict between innovation and existing standards.
2Reliability
If test command signals are processed with high priority to ensure operational status testing, then testing reliability is improved, but transmission path interception risk increases due to priority conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating test command signals differently from normal signals at the processing level. The received signal filtering unit identifies RR signals and processes them through a dedicated path that generates test response signals with appropriate priority handling. This localized differentiation ensures that test commands are processed reliably without creating harmful priority conflicts that could lead to transmission path interception.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional APS process priority rules are maintained to ensure stable operation, then operational stability is preserved, but operational status testing function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the received signal filtering unit to handle multiple signal types (RR, NR, DNR) through a unified processing framework. The same top priority local request selection unit that maintains operational stability for normal signals also processes test command responses, thereby preserving operational stability while enabling comprehensive operational status testing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an operational status testing apparatus and method for an Ethernet-based APS process. A test command signal which contains a command to perform an operational test for the APS process of a first node and a second test response signal that indicates that the operation of the APS process of a second node is performed normally, from among far end request signals that are received from the second node connected to own first node via an Ethernet network, are filtered. When the far end request signals are test command signals, a first test response signal that indicates that the operation of the APS process of the first node is performed normally is generated, and a top priority local request signal is selected based on priorities of the first test response signal and at least one local request signal that indicates the status of the APS process of the first node, and an output signal to be transmitted to the second node is determined based on priorities of the top priority local request signal and the filtered the far end request signal. The function for testing the operational status for the APS process defined in ITU-T recommendation G.8031 is embodied, and when an operational status test request is received from another node, the APS process can be tested effectively without having to perform a complicated diagnosis operation for the APS process.