IP Network Edge Rate Adaptation for Fault Resilience

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In IP networks with redundant core network levels, the existing technologies struggle to effectively utilize FlexRate interfaces to maintain network resilience and data transmission efficiency when errors occur, leading to data packet loss due to inadequate adaptation of data transmission rates across network levels.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves a network management system and element management system collaboration to adjust load distribution between network levels by transmitting error information in real-time, reducing data transmission rates on affected edges and redistributing data streams across planes, using techniques like simulating errors to reroute traffic and control IP interfaces, ensuring continued, albeit reduced, network functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data transmission rate is reduced on affected network edges due to errors, then network resilience is improved, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resilienceVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of data transmission rates on FlexRate interfaces based on real-time error detection. When errors are detected on a network edge, the system dynamically reduces the data transmission rate on that edge while maintaining connectivity, allowing the interface to adapt its performance characteristics to current network conditions rather than operating at a fixed rate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of data transmission rate on affected FlexRate interfaces in response to detected errors. By modifying this critical parameter, the system maintains network resilience through continued operation at reduced rates while preventing complete link failure, thus balancing reliability maintenance with productivity preservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If load is redistributed across network levels to compensate for errors, then network resilience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resilienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network management system continuously monitors network edges for errors and automatically triggers load redistribution. The element management system receives error information, determines affected FlexRate interfaces, and initiates rate adjustments without manual intervention. This closed-loop feedback system automates the complexity, making it manageable through systematic error detection and response protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of the network management system and element management system that mediates between error detection and load redistribution. This intermediary architecture manages the complexity by providing a structured interface between monitoring functions and control actions, using standardized information exchange protocols to coordinate the redistribution process across network levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If FlexRate interfaces are used to maintain continued usability of affected edges, then network resilience is improved, but data packet loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resilienceVSAvoiddata packet loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by reducing rather than completely stopping data transmission on affected FlexRate interfaces. Instead of fully shutting down error-affected edges, the system transmits data at reduced rates, maintaining partial functionality and connectivity. This partial operation prevents complete information loss while managing the constraints imposed by errors, allowing continued data flow at diminished capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3343816B1Data transmission in IP network with multiple core network levels
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3343816B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3343816B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3343816B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for data transmission in an IP network implemented using interfaces with flexible data transmission rates, comprising a core network 1 with several network nodes (31 - 3n) and at least two independent network levels A, B with identical structure. According to the method, the fault in the core network (1) and the resulting reduced capacity of an affected network edge (41 - 4n) in the respective transition area between the core network (1) and the access networks (21 - 2n) connected to the core network (1) are addressed by changing the load distribution.This is achieved by the network management system transmitting information about the fault that occurred at the network edge (41 - 4n) to the element management system in real time, and by the element management system controlling network elements at the physical or IP level in such a way that at least at each of the network nodes (31 - 3n) connected by the faulty network edge (41 - 4n) the data rate supplied to the network level (A, B) affected by the fault is reduced at the expense of at least one other network level (A, B).