Ethernet Ring Protection Switching via Bandwidth Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ring protection switching methods in Ethernet networks are inflexible, only allowing switching in cases of link failure or manual forced switching, which limits the ability to adapt to changing bandwidth conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically adjust Ethernet ring protection switching by obtaining bandwidth information, determining affected ports, and executing pre-configured switching operations based on bandwidth changes, allowing for adaptive switching between links to maximize network bandwidth utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ring protection switching method is used, then switching can be performed in case of link failure or manual forced switching, but the switching flexibility is limited and cannot adapt to bandwidth changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching flexibilityVSAvoidprotection switching mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static protection switching (only on link failure or manual trigger) to dynamic protection switching (triggered by bandwidth changes). The system continuously monitors bandwidth and automatically adjusts protection switching decisions based on real-time bandwidth conditions, making the protection mechanism adaptive and flexible without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the triggering parameter from binary link status (up/down) to continuous bandwidth parameters. By monitoring bandwidth utilization and comparing it against thresholds, the system enables protection switching based on graded bandwidth conditions rather than simple link failure states, significantly improving switching flexibility and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If RPL is blocked in normal working status, then service transmission is ensured through working links, but when link failure occurs the blocked ports cannot be opened quickly for automatic protection switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice transmission reliabilityVSAvoidprotection switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple protection paths and pre-establishing bandwidth threshold policies before failures occur. When bandwidth changes are detected, the system can immediately activate pre-planned protection switching actions without delay for path calculation or policy decision, reducing protection switching time while maintaining service reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring bandwidth utilization and using this information to trigger protection switching. The system creates a closed-loop control where bandwidth monitoring feedback automatically initiates protection actions, eliminating manual intervention delays and enabling faster response to link failures while ensuring service transmission reliability through condition-based triggering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2618523B1Method, network device and system for ethernet ring protection switching
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2618523B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2618523B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2618523B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide an Ethernet ring protection switching method, network device and system. In the embodiments of the present invention, a node obtains bandwidth information of a first link on an Ethernet ring where the node is located, and determines that bandwidth of the first link changes, where there is at least one Ethernet ring protection instance on the Ethernet ring, and then the node determines ports of the node, where the at least one Ethernet ring protection instance passes through the ports, so that the node can query pre-configured correspondence between bandwidth information and switching information of each link on the Ethernet ring, and execute, through the ports of the node, a switching operation corresponding to the bandwidth information of the first link.