Interconnect Node Mapping for Ring Network Frame Duplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interconnected ring networks face challenges in preventing frame duplication and traffic loops, especially with flooded packets, and require efficient load balancing and resilience against failures and topology changes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using multiple interconnect nodes in ring networks to extract packet attributes and apply a predefined mapping function to select a single node for forwarding data packets, preventing duplicate forwarding and ensuring load balancing, while adapting to failure scenarios and topology changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple interconnect nodes forward copies of data packets between ring networks, then network resilience and load balancing are improved, but frame duplication and traffic loops occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining mapping functions at each interconnect node before packet forwarding occurs. These mapping functions use packet attributes (such as source/destination addresses, VLAN tags, or packet counters) to deterministically select which interconnect node should forward each packet type. This pre-established mapping prevents frame duplication by ensuring that only the designated node forwards copies between ring networks, while maintaining resilience through multiple potential forwarding paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing each interconnect node to independently evaluate packet attributes and apply the mapping function locally to determine whether to forward a packet. Each node makes autonomous forwarding decisions based on its local evaluation of packet characteristics, rather than requiring centralized control. This distributed approach maintains network resilience while preventing duplication through consistent local rules.
2Productivity
If multiple interconnect nodes forward data packets, then traffic load is distributed across nodes, but complexity of managing forwarding states increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using packet attributes (such as source address, destination address, VLAN identifier, or packet sequence number) as input parameters to the mapping function. By changing the forwarding decision from a complex state-based determination to a function of packet parameters, the system simplifies the forwarding logic. The mapping function consistently maps specific parameter combinations to specific interconnect nodes, enabling load distribution without complex state management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interconnect nodes forward flooded packets to multiple recipients, then broadcast functionality is improved, but frame duplication occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing mapping functions that handle flooded packets before they are forwarded. When a flooded packet arrives, each interconnect node independently evaluates the packet attributes through the mapping function to determine if it should forward the packet. This pre-defined rule-based approach enables broadcast functionality to reach multiple recipients while preventing frame duplication by ensuring only the designated node forwards each flooded packet between ring networks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communication includes, in a communication network that includes multiple ring nodes arranged in at least first and second ring networks that are connected by two or more of the ring nodes serving as interconnect nodes, accepting at the two or more interconnect nodes respective copies of a data packet, which is sent from a source user node connected to the first ring network.An attribute is extracted from the respective copies of the data packet at each of the interconnect nodes, and a predefined mapping function is applied to the extracted attribute so as to select a single interconnect node for forwarding the data packet to the second ring network. A single copy of the data packet is forwarded to the second ring network only from the selected interconnect node, while refraining from forwarding other copies from the other interconnect nodes.