Ethernet Edge Node Tunnel Pairing for Zero-Loss Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet network elements fail to maximize legacy network links at the edge of carrier networks, leading to bandwidth bottlenecks, and lack mechanisms for flexible in-service and out-of-service Ethernet operation administration and maintenance (OAM) and effective protection switching, particularly for critical applications requiring low latency and zero-loss data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The system pairs forward and backward paths of connections at each node, allowing message injection without higher OSI layer consultation, and implements hairpin paths for loopbacks and packet duplication to ensure zero-loss protection switching, with business policy-based backup path establishment and recombination of duplicate packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Ethernet is used to transport multimedia applications at the network edge, then bandwidth demand increases, but existing network elements cannot maximize legacy network links leading to bandwidth bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path into forward and backward directions, treating them as independent unidirectional tunnels that can be optimized separately. This allows legacy network links to be maximized by configuring each direction independently while maintaining overall connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mechanism that works across different network scenarios - it can handle both unidirectional and bidirectional traffic, support various legacy network links, and provide multiple protection switching modes, making the solution applicable to diverse carrier network environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MPLS is used with bidirectional connections, then routing flexibility improves, but intermediate nodes cannot perform loopbacks without setting up out-of-service explicit paths
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring out-of-service explicit paths for loopbacks, the patent inverts the approach by enabling in-service loopbacks through the existing service paths. OAM packets can be injected and looped back through the same forward and backward tunnels that carry user traffic, eliminating the need for separate troubleshooting paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism at intermediate nodes that allows OAM packets to be injected, looped back, and forwarded without requiring end-to-end path reconfiguration. This intermediary capability enables local troubleshooting operations while maintaining service continuity.
3Reliability
If standard link protection techniques are used, then node failure protection improves, but path protection and business policy integration are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges link protection and path protection into a unified mechanism. By pairing forward and backward tunnels at intermediate nodes, the system provides both link-level redundancy and end-to-end path protection simultaneously, while also enabling integration with business policies for selective path protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic protection switching that can adapt to different failure scenarios and business policies. The system can dynamically select between link protection and path protection modes, and can dynamically reconfigure protection paths based on current network conditions and policy requirements.
4Reliability
If protection switching is implemented, then service reliability improves, but switch over time of 50ms causes data loss for critical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-configuring backup paths and pre-establishing tunnel pairings before failures occur. OAM packets continuously monitor path health, and protection switching is pre-arranged through the paired tunnel structure, enabling rapid switchover without the 50ms delay and data loss associated with standard protection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunications system includes a network for transporting packets on a path between selected subscriber end points. The network has multiple nodes connected by links, with each node (a) pairing the forward and backward paths of a connection and (b) allowing for the injection of messages in the backward direction of a connection from any node in the path without needing to consult a higher OSI layer. A system is also provided for protecting connection paths for transporting data packets through an Ethernet telecommunications network having a multiplicity of nodes interconnected by a multiplicity of links. Primary and backup paths are provided through the network for each of multiple connections, with each path including multiple links. Data packets arriving at a first node common to the primary and backup paths are duplicated, and one of the duplicate packets is transported over the primary path, the other duplicate packet is transported over the backup path, and the duplicate packets are recombined at a second node common to the primary and backup paths.