L3 Network Node Hitless Maintenance via Traffic Rerouting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In large computer networks, especially enterprise computing systems, maintenance operations such as upgrading or replacing hardware/software can disrupt user services if not managed transparently, impacting network performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method for exiting and reintroducing a node from an Internet Protocol, Layer 3 network involves preparing the network by rerouting traffic, notifying peer nodes, and using maintenance managers to ensure seamless transitions during maintenance, allowing for transparent maintenance without service disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If maintenance operations are performed on network nodes, then hardware/software can be upgraded or replaced, but network services are disrupted and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a backup node before maintenance operations begin. The backup node is pre-configured with necessary hardware and software, and traffic routing is pre-arranged to bypass the node undergoing maintenance. This allows maintenance to be performed without service disruption, as the backup node is already in place to immediately assume traffic flow when the primary node is taken offline.
2Reliability
If traffic is rerouted around a node for maintenance, then service continuity is maintained, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into distinct segments: primary nodes, backup nodes, and maintenance nodes. Each node type has a specific function and configuration. Backup nodes are segmented as separate entities with dedicated standby capacity, allowing traffic rerouting to be managed through clear segment boundaries rather than complex reconfiguration of the entire network. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall network management during maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If backup nodes are maintained in standby configuration, then failover capability is improved, but resource utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic resource allocation where backup nodes can transition between standby and active states based on network conditions. When no maintenance is required, backup nodes remain in low-power standby mode with minimal resource consumption. When maintenance is needed on primary nodes, the system dynamically activates the backup node and redistributes traffic load. This dynamic state transition allows the network to maintain failover capability while optimizing resource utilization during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use in exiting a portion of a node from an Internet Protocol, Layer 3 network includes: preparing the network for the portion to exit prior to the exit, including: notifying a set of peer nodes of the portion's exit; and rerouting traffic in the network away from the portion to the set of peer nodes; exiting the portion from the network once the traffic is rerouted; and reintroducing the exited portion to the network, including: notifying the peer nodes of the portion's reintroduction; and rerouting at least some of the traffic through the re-introduced portion.