Host Router Virtual Tunnel Management for Link Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for synchronizing active tunnels and active links between hosts and next hop routers are inefficient, leading to less optimal routing due to dependency on Layer 1/2 functions by Layer 3 tunnel management, and lack of automatic synchronization between tunnel and link states.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a virtual tunnel method that establishes a single logical tunnel between a host and next hop routers, with a tunnel management device that automatically synchronizes active tunnels and links, eliminating dependency on link management and tunnel integrity verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple tunnels are established between host and next hop routers to ensure connectivity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple tunnel management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity reliabilityVSAvoidtunnel management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple tunnel management functions into a single unified tunnel management device at the host. Instead of managing multiple separate tunnels to different next hop routers, the system consolidates tunnel endpoints and uses a single tunnel management interface, reducing operational complexity while maintaining multiple physical paths for reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tunnel management device implements universal functionality to handle multiple next hop routers through a single tunnel interface. The system can dynamically route traffic through different next hop routers while maintaining a unified tunnel management approach, making the tunnel management system adaptable to multiple routing paths without requiring separate tunnel configurations for each path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If tunnel management depends on Layer 1/2 link management functions, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to lack of independent tunnel control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetunnel configuration easeVSAvoidtunnel control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments tunnel management from link management into an independent Layer 3 function. The tunnel management device operates independently at Layer 3 without dependency on Layer 1/2 link management, allowing precise control of tunnel parameters (such as tunnel endpoint addresses, encapsulation settings, and routing decisions) while maintaining operational simplicity through automated procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If automatic synchronization between tunnel and link states is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to synchronization mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the tunnel management device continuously monitors link status changes and automatically adjusts tunnel configurations in response. When link states change (up/down transitions), the tunnel management device receives feedback and automatically synchronizes tunnel states, ensuring optimal routing without manual intervention while using standardized monitoring protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If explicit tunnel integrity verification is required, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to verification overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetunnel integrity detection accuracyVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary tunnel integrity verification during tunnel establishment and uses proactive monitoring mechanisms. Instead of continuous verification, the tunnel management device performs integrity checks at critical transition points (when links change state or traffic patterns indicate potential issues), reducing verification overhead while maintaining detection accuracy through strategic timing of integrity assessments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9288129B2Host-router virtual tunnelling and multiple tunnel management

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

A virtual tunnel method is described herein which implemented by a host and next hop routers to address a problem that is related to synchronizing active tunnel(s) and active link(s) between the host and next hop routers. Furthermore, a multiple tunnel management method is described herein which implemented by a host to address the problem that is related to synchronizing active tunnel(s) and active link(s) between the host and multiple next hop routers.