Ethernet Ring Network Redundancy via Spanning Tree Port Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet network structures face challenges in implementing ring structures for high availability and error protection, as they can lead to unintended network failures due to circulating data packets, and existing protocols like HASR and PRP require specific network configurations that are difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using two independent VLANs within the same network infrastructure, where specific ports are deactivated to prevent unintended ring closures, allowing for redundant data transmission through two disjoint communication paths, ensuring reliable data delivery even in case of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring structure is implemented in an Ethernet network for redundant data transmission, then error protection and data reliability are improved, but the network may collapse due to circulating data packets running in circles infinitely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful circulating packet problem by implementing a spanning tree algorithm that selectively blocks specific ports in the ring structure. This creates a logical tree topology from the physical ring, removing the harmful circulation while preserving the redundant path for failover scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic port blocking and unblocking based on network conditions. The spanning tree algorithm continuously monitors the network and dynamically adjusts which ports are blocked or active, allowing the network to adapt between normal operation (with blocking to prevent circulation) and failover mode (with unblocking to enable redundancy).
2Reliability
If protocols like HASR or PRP are used for redundant data transmission, then error protection is improved, but the network configuration complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the redundancy function into the standard Ethernet switching infrastructure using the spanning tree algorithm, which is already widely supported by Ethernet switches. This combines multiple functions (redundancy, loop prevention, failover) into a single standardized mechanism, eliminating the need for separate specialized protocols like HASR or PRP and their associated complex configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spanning tree algorithm operates autonomously within the Ethernet network, with switches automatically detecting loops and blocking appropriate ports without requiring external protocol management or complex configuration. The network self-regulates to prevent circulating packets while maintaining redundancy, eliminating the need for specialized protocol setup and management.
3Reliability
If VLANs are organized as a ring structure in an Ethernet network, then redundant communication paths are achieved, but specific ports must be deactivated which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spanning tree algorithm automatically performs the port blocking function without requiring manual configuration or operational intervention. The algorithm continuously calculates the optimal blocking ports based on current network topology and conditions, eliminating the need for operators to manually deactivate specific ports and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The port blocking status is dynamically adjusted by the spanning tree algorithm based on network conditions, VLAN configurations, and failure scenarios. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for static manual port deactivation, allowing the network to automatically adapt to changing conditions while maintaining redundant communication paths.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a network arrangement (101), in particular in an Ethernet environment, comprising multiple network devices (1, 201, 301) which are coupled to each other in a ring structure. Each network device (1) comprises a control device (2) and a switch device (4) with at least two ports (8, 9) for coupling to a communication path. During operation, at least two VLANs (VL1, VL2) are simultaneously provided in the ring structure, and the sending of a data packet from the control device (2) of a selected network device (1) is performed via a port (9) of the switch device (4) in one of the two VLANs (VL1). In order to achieve this, the other port (7) of the switch device (4) of the selected network device (1) is deactivated for the one VLAN (VL1). By using two VLANs, a redundant and reliable data transmission can be achieved. A destabilization of the VLANs in the network ring is prevented by the targeted deactivation of specific ports of the sending network device. The invention further relates to a network arrangement (101) comprising several corresponding network devices (100, 200, 300) which operate according to the method.