Ethernet Virtual Connection Duplication for Ultra-Low Frame Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carrier Ethernet networks face challenges in achieving exceptionally low data loss characteristics, particularly in applications like Ethernet backhaul services that require frame loss ratios of 10^-6 or 10^-7, which is difficult to obtain with traditional transport mechanisms like ATM and SONET.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Ethernet virtual connections (EVCs) that duplicate packet flows between near and far end network devices, allowing for real-time comparison and switching to the flow with better performance characteristics, such as lower errors, thereby enhancing network performance and enabling efficient seamless switchover in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional transport mechanisms (ATM, SONET) are used, then network infrastructure is established, but frame loss ratio cannot achieve 10^-6 or 10^-7
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the network connection into multiple parallel Ethernet virtual connections (EVCs) between near-end and far-end network devices. Each EVC operates as an independent transmission path, allowing the system to select optimal paths and achieve ultra-low frame loss ratios of 10^-6 or 10^-7 that cannot be obtained with traditional single-path mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by implementing continuous performance monitoring of multiple EVCs and dynamically selecting the best performing connection based on real-time metrics. This parameter-based selection enables the system to maintain frame loss ratios of 10^-6 or 10^-7 by adapting to changing network conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple Ethernet virtual connections are implemented with duplication, then frame loss ratio improves to 10^-6 or 10^-7, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes network devices multi-functional by enabling them to simultaneously perform packet duplication, performance monitoring, and dynamic path selection across multiple EVCs. This universal capability allows a single device to handle multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems, managing the complexity of achieving 10^-6 or 10^-7 frame loss ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated performance monitoring and dynamic EVC selection. The network devices automatically monitor packet loss, latency, and error rates on each EVC and autonomously switch between connections based on real-time performance, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing operational complexity while maintaining ultra-low frame loss ratios.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring and switching between EVCs is implemented, then network performance improves, but processing time and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring and pre-evaluating the performance of all available EVCs before a failure occurs. Performance metrics such as packet loss, latency, and error rates are tracked in advance, so when a switch is needed, the system can immediately transition to the pre-identified best performing connection, achieving switchover times of less than 50 milliseconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops that monitor performance metrics on each EVC in real-time. This feedback mechanism provides up-to-date information about connection quality, enabling the network device to make informed switching decisions and maintain optimal performance while minimizing switchover time to under 50 milliseconds.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include provisioning a first virtual connection between a first device and a second device, and provisioning a second virtual connection between the first device and the second device. A data flow is received and duplicated at the first device to generate duplicated data flows. The duplicated data flows are transmitted to the second device via the first virtual connection and the second virtual connection. The duplicated data flows are received at the second device via the first virtual connection and the second virtual connection. A performance characteristic of the data flow received via the first virtual connection is determined. The performance characteristic of the data flow received via the second virtual connection is determined. The data flow received via the first virtual connection or the data flow received via the second virtual connection is selected for forwarding based on the performance characteristics of the data flow received via the first virtual connection and the performance characteristic of the data flow received via the second virtual connection. The selected data flow is forwarded.