Lower L2 Interface Proxy for Network Session Reinitialization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network management systems face challenges in efficiently handling the termination of higher-layer interfaces in a network access device, leading to delayed detection and reinitialization of communication sessions, especially when the upper L2 software interface is torn down without notification, resulting in prolonged downtime and user intervention.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a modified lower L2 software interface that acts as a proxy for the upper L2 software interface, enabling it to simulate a termination request and reinitiate communications, thereby reducing the impact of interface termination and facilitating faster restarts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the upper L2 software interface is torn down without notification, then the network device can rapidly reconfigure interfaces, but the subscriber device experiences prolonged downtime and requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface reconfiguration speedVSAvoidcommunication session downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lower L2 software interface is modified to detect when an upper L2 software interface is torn down and proactively sends a termination request to the subscriber device before the subscriber device would otherwise detect the failure through keepalive mechanisms. This preliminary action prevents the subscriber device from entering a prolonged error state and eliminates the need for manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the lower L2 software interface monitors the status of upper L2 software interfaces and responds to termination events by generating appropriate termination requests. This feedback loop ensures that the subscriber device is promptly notified of interface terminations, enabling rapid reinitialization of communication sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If keepalive mechanisms are used to detect interface termination, then the subscriber device can detect connection failures, but the detection is delayed and human intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection failure detectionVSAvoiddetection delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of waiting for keepalive mechanisms to detect interface termination after a delay, the lower L2 software interface proactively detects upper L2 interface terminations and sends termination requests to the subscriber device immediately. This preliminary action eliminates detection delays and prevents the need for human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lower L2 software interface acts as an intermediary between the upper L2 software interface and the subscriber device. It monitors upper L2 interface status and translates termination events into appropriate termination requests for the subscriber device, enabling reliable and timely detection of connection failures without relying on delayed keepalive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If the lower L2 software interface acts as a proxy for the upper L2 software interface, then termination requests are sent promptly, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetermination notification timeVSAvoidsoftware interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower L2 software interface is enhanced to perform multiple functions: its original lower L2 protocol processing duties plus the additional function of monitoring upper L2 interface status and generating termination requests. This multi-functionality allows the interface to act as a proxy without requiring completely separate monitoring systems, thereby limiting the increase in complexity while achieving prompt termination notifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8369358B1Termination of network connections in absence of a dynamic network interface

Publication Date: 2013.02.05 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A network access device is described that uses a modified lower layer two (L2) software interface that is enhanced to operate as a proxy for a dynamic upper L2 software interface when the upper L2 software interface has been torn down, i.e., terminated unbeknownst to a subscriber device. The lower L2 software interface may, for example, be extended to incorporate certain features of the upper L2 software interface to detect such a condition. In the absence of the upper L2 software interface, the lower L2 interface may output a simulated termination request on behalf of the upper L2 interface and in accordance with the upper L2 protocol.