IP Address Allocation Path Prioritization for Seamless Switchover
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a switchover event in networking, the IP address allocation entity is not notified of the change, leading to dropped control packets and impact on user connections due to continued routing to the old user plane subscriber access device.
Innovation Solution
A network device obtains a switchover indication and provides an indication to prioritize the path from the IP address allocation entity to the new user plane subscriber access device, preventing the entity from transmitting control packets to the old device, thus ensuring seamless IP address management post-switchover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IP address allocation entity continues to route control packets to the old user plane subscriber access device after a switchover, then the entity maintains its existing routing configuration, but control packets are dropped and user connections are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The network device monitors the operational status of user plane subscriber access devices and provides feedback to the IP address allocation entity. When a switchover occurs, the network device notifies the IP address allocation entity to update its routing configuration, ensuring control packets are directed to the active device rather than the standby device, thus maintaining network connectivity without requiring complex manual routing management
Solution Approach 2:
The IP address allocation entity automatically updates its routing configuration upon receiving notification from the network device about a switchover event. The entity self-manages its forwarding rules by prioritizing the path to the new active user plane subscriber access device, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex routing management protocols
2Reliability
If the system implements path prioritization notification to the IP address allocation entity, then control packets are correctly routed to the active device, but the system requires additional notification mechanisms and path management
Solution Approach 1:
The network device acts as an intermediary between the user plane subscriber access devices and the IP address allocation entity. It monitors switchover events and translates them into path prioritization notifications that the IP address allocation entity can process, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the notification function rather than requiring direct communication between multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameter state of the IP address allocation entity by providing path prioritization indications. When a switchover occurs, the network device updates the routing parameters to prioritize the path to the new active device, allowing the entity to correctly route control packets without requiring complex path management logic
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a network device may obtain a switchover indication associated with a switchover of a group of subscriber sessions from a first user plane subscriber access device to a second user plane subscriber access device. The network device may provide, to the first user plane subscriber access device or the second user plane subscriber access device, an indication to provide, to an internet protocol (IP) address allocation entity for which the network device serves as a relay, an indication to prioritize a path from the IP address allocation entity to the second user plane subscriber access device over a path from the IP address allocation entity to the first user plane subscriber access device.