Interworking Function for Ethernet CFM End Node Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access network solutions face challenges in monitoring end nodes, particularly when access links operate in a non-802.1ag environment, while the metro provider network is 802.1ag-compliant, leading to issues in end-to-end Ethernet Connectivity and Fault Management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an interworking function (IWF) entity within the access network to generate and interpret Ethernet CFM frames, enabling querying and monitoring of end nodes by converting query messages into native protocols compatible with the end nodes, allowing for bi-directional communication and response processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ethernet CFM is deployed in a metro provider network, then end-to-end connectivity monitoring is improved, but compatibility with non-802.1ag access links deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interworking function (IWF) as an intermediary component between the Ethernet CFM-compliant metro network and non-802.1ag access links. The IWF translates Ethernet CFM frames into native access link protocols and vice versa, enabling compatibility between different network domains without requiring full 802.1ag support at the access link end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into distinct domains: Ethernet CFM-compliant metro provider network and non-802.1ag access links. By dividing the network this way, each segment can operate with its own protocol requirements while maintaining interoperability through the IWF boundary, allowing CFM functionality to extend to edge access links without requiring protocol changes throughout the entire access network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access links operate in non-802.1ag environment, then deployment flexibility is improved, but Ethernet CFM monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The IWF acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between flexible non-802.1ag access link deployments and the need for Ethernet CFM monitoring. It translates CFM queries into native access link protocols and maps responses back to CFM format, enabling monitoring capability to coexist with deployment flexibility in non-802.1ag environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The IWF provides universal functionality by supporting multiple protocols - it can interpret Ethernet CFM frames and translate them into various native access link protocols depending on the underlying technology. This multi-functionality allows a single IWF implementation to support diverse access link technologies while maintaining Ethernet CFM monitoring capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol translation is implemented at access nodes, then interoperability between different network domains is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating the protocol translation functionality in a dedicated IWF component, the patent isolates complexity from the core access node functions. The IWF handles the intricate task of translating between Ethernet CFM and native access link protocols, while the access node itself remains relatively simple, only needing to implement the IWF interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The IWF creates a virtual copy of the protocol translation function that can be instantiated at access nodes without requiring permanent hardware modifications. This software-based copying approach allows protocol translation capability to be deployed flexibly while keeping the physical device structure simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for monitoring end nodes using Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) in an access network. In one embodiment, a broadband access server (BRAS) is operable to generate an Ethernet CFM frame that includes a query message with respect to a particular end node. An interworking function (IWF) entity associated with an access node that services the particular end node is operable to interpret the Ethernet CFM frame and construct a corresponding query message in a native protocol compatible with the particular end node. Upon receiving a reply message from the particular end node, the IWF entity constructs a suitable reply Ethernet CFM frame for transmission to the BRAS, wherein the reply Ethernet CFM frame includes a response corresponding to the reply message from the end node.