Ethernet Ring Superloop Protection via Interface Node Link Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet rings face the challenge of superloops forming in multi-ring/ladder networks, leading to resource consumption and increased failure rates due to existing loop protection mechanisms failing to prevent such conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves maintaining the ring protection link in response to withdrawal messages indicating interface node malfunctions, preventing the transmission of signal failure messages that would unblock protection links and thereby preventing superloops from forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ring protection link is unblocked in response to link failure to restore connectivity, then network connectivity is improved, but superloops may form consuming network resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the behavior of interface nodes versus ring nodes. Interface nodes (connected to VPLS domain) suppress signal failure messages to prevent superloops, while ring nodes maintain normal loop protection behavior. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by preventing harmful superloop formation at interface nodes while preserving reliable loop protection at ring nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces withdrawal messages as an intermediary mechanism between interface nodes and ring nodes. These messages carry information about interface node malfunctions and mediate the interaction between different node types, allowing interface nodes to suppress signal failure messages without disrupting the overall loop protection mechanism.
2Productivity
If signal failure messages are transmitted to unblock protection links during link failure, then failed link connectivity is restored, but unnecessary flooding and resource consumption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making interface nodes suppress signal failure messages while ring nodes continue to process them normally. This localized suppression prevents unnecessary flooding and resource consumption at interface nodes while maintaining efficient link restoration capability at ring nodes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If both ends of ring protection link are blocked in normal state to avoid flooding, then network stability is improved, but connectivity flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating blocking behavior at interface nodes versus ring nodes. Interface nodes suppress signal failure messages to prevent superloops, while ring nodes maintain standard blocking behavior for stability. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining network stability through selective blocking while preserving connectivity flexibility where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method in an Ethernet ring for protecting the Ethernet ring from a superloop going through the Ethernet ring, wherein the Ethernet ring comprises at least one ring node and two interface nodes between the Ethernet ring and a VPLS-domain, the Ethernet ring further comprises a ring protection link, the method comprises the steps of: receiving in one of the interface nodes a withdrawal message intended to indicate that the other interface node is malfunctioning, the method being further characterized by the further step of; maintaining said ring protection link in the Ethernet ring in response to the withdrawal message.