Fast CFM Spanning Tree Topology for Carrier Ethernet Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) methods in Carrier Ethernet networks are inefficient in detecting and isolating faults, particularly in large service-networks, as they require excessive bandwidth and time to identify and notify faults, leading to slow recovery and potential misconfigurations.
Innovation Solution
A method for Fast Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) that involves learning the spanning tree topology of the service-network, exchanging Fast Connectivity Check Messages (Fast-CCM) between adjacent nodes, terminating these messages, and proactively notifying faults, thereby reducing bandwidth usage and improving fault detection and isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional CFM methods are used to detect faults in Carrier Ethernet networks, then fault detection capability is provided, but bandwidth utilization increases excessively and fault detection speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into a spanning tree topology structure, organizing service nodes hierarchically with root nodes, intermediate nodes, and leaf nodes. This segmentation allows CFM messages to be exchanged only between adjacent nodes in the tree structure rather than all-to-all, reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining comprehensive fault detection capability across the network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the spanning tree topology before fault detection begins. Service nodes learn and store the spanning tree structure in advance, so when faults occur, they can quickly identify adjacent nodes and exchange CFM messages only with relevant neighbors, eliminating the need for exhaustive network-wide messaging and reducing bandwidth utilization
2Reliability
If traditional CFM methods are used to detect faults in Carrier Ethernet networks, then fault detection capability is provided, but fault detection speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the network into a spanning tree structure, the patent reduces the communication path for fault detection. CFM messages only need to traverse adjacent nodes in the tree rather than propagating through the entire network, significantly reducing detection time while maintaining comprehensive fault coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-learning and storing the spanning tree topology. When faults occur, service nodes can immediately identify their adjacent nodes in the tree structure and exchange CFM messages directly, eliminating the need for time-consuming network-wide message propagation and enabling faster fault detection
3Reliability
If CFM messages are exchanged between all nodes in the network, then comprehensive fault coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into a spanning tree topology that identifies parent-child relationships and adjacent nodes. Service nodes only exchange CFM messages with their designated adjacent nodes in the tree structure rather than all other nodes, simplifying message exchange logic while maintaining comprehensive fault coverage through the hierarchical tree structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by having service nodes pre-learn and store the spanning tree topology, including their parent node, child nodes, and adjacent nodes. This preliminary configuration simplifies the device complexity during operation, as nodes can directly use the stored topology information to determine message exchange targets without complex real-time calculations
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is related to a method for Fast Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) of a service-network in the realm of Carrier Ethernet, comprises steps of: learning spanning tree topology of the service-network, exchanging Fast Connectivity Check Messages (Fast-CCM)s between the adjacent service-nodes of the tree, terminating the Fast-CCMs so received, to learn the fault, in the service-network, upon failure to receive a Fast-CCM through a service-port, and pro-actively notifying the fault by service nodes on either side of the faulty service-network.