Failover Processing via Dual Physical Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing failover processing methods in electronic networks lack effectiveness in handling non-optimal and failed functioning statuses of elements, particularly in scenarios where communication channels have limitations, leading to potential interruptions in data processing.
Innovation Solution
A method that configures two channels with different physical data paths between elements, allowing for the communication of non-optimal and failed statuses, enabling failover processing based on a combination of rich and simple data signals, even under channel conditions that limit communication, using dedicated failover links and Ethernet links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication channel is used between elements, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability of failover processing deteriorates because the channel may fail to communicate both non-optimal and failed statuses
Solution Approach 1:
The communication channel is segmented into two separate channels: a first channel for communicating non-optimal functioning statuses and a second channel for communicating failed functioning statuses. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific purpose, improving the reliability of status communication while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the first channel acts as a primary communication path for non-optimal statuses, while the second channel serves as a backup or alternative path for failed statuses. This intermediary approach ensures that status information can be communicated reliably even if one channel experiences issues, thereby improving failover processing reliability.
2Measurement precision
If only simple data signals are used for status communication, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because non-optimal statuses cannot be distinguished from failed statuses
Solution Approach 1:
Different communication channels are assigned different quality characteristics: the first channel is optimized for communicating non-optimal statuses with higher granularity, while the second channel is optimized for communicating failed statuses with simpler signals. This local quality differentiation allows each channel to operate at its optimal level, achieving both precise status detection and ease of operation within each channel's specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The first channel communicates more detailed status information (non-optimal statuses) than strictly necessary for basic failover, providing excessive granularity that enables precise measurement of functioning status. This partial action approach ensures that even though more data is transmitted, the system gains the ability to precisely distinguish between different status levels, improving measurement precision without requiring the second channel to handle complex data.
3Productivity
If comprehensive status assessment is performed using multiple channels, then the productivity of failover response is improved, but the loss of information deteriorates if one channel fails to communicate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by establishing two independent communication channels before any failure occurs. The first channel is prepared for non-optimal status communication and the second channel is prepared for failed status communication. This prior preparation ensures that if one channel fails, the other channel remains available to communicate status information, preventing information loss and enabling rapid failover response without waiting for channel recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of communication redundancy by introducing a second channel with different functional characteristics. When the first channel fails to communicate, the system switches to using the second channel, changing the active communication parameter from the first channel to the second channel. This parameter change ensures continuous status information flow, preventing information loss and maintaining high productivity in failover response.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing failover processing between a first element and a second element in a data communications network, the method comprising configuring a first channel and a second channel between the first and second elements, the first and second channels comprising different physical data paths, receiving at the first element, via the first channel, first data signals representative of functioning statuses of the second element, the first channel being configured to allow a non-optimal, partly functioning status of the second element to be communicated to the first element; and receiving at the first element, via the second channel, second data signals representative of functioning statuses of the second element, the second channel being configured to allow a failed functioning status of the second element to be communicated to the first element; and conducting failover processing based on both the first and second data signals.