Leaf Network Node Failover in Broadband Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional broadband access networks with a central office point of delivery have leaf network nodes that act as single points of failure, requiring excessive computing resources for spare capacity to handle failover situations, leading to inefficiency and increased expenses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where multiple access nodes are connected to multiple leaf network nodes, allowing for service continuity and load balancing, enabling failover without significantly increasing resources, by having leaf network nodes handle normal loads and provide reduced services during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spare capacity is provided in leaf network nodes to handle failover situations, then service continuity is improved, but computing resources and expenses are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where leaf network nodes can dynamically switch between normal operation mode and failover mode. During normal operation, each leaf node serves its assigned access nodes with standard capacity. Upon detecting a failure, the system dynamically reconfigures to allow neighboring leaf nodes to take over the failed leaf's access nodes, utilizing previously unused spare capacity that is activated only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of leaf network nodes based on system state. Leaf nodes are configured with adjustable capacity thresholds and failover triggers. When failure conditions are detected, parameters such as service allocation, resource distribution, and operational mode are changed to transition from individual leaf node operation to coordinated failover operation, optimizing resource utilization across the network.
2Reliability
If leaf network nodes are dimensioned to serve more customers during failover, then service continuity is improved, but resources remain unused during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fully dimensioning leaf network nodes for maximum failover capacity, the patent implements partial action by configuring nodes with base capacity for normal operation and utilizing coordinated spare capacity from neighboring nodes during failover. This approach provides sufficient failover capability without the waste of permanently over-dimensioning individual nodes, achieving the necessary reliability while maintaining efficient resource utilization during normal conditions.
3Reliability
If access nodes are connected to multiple leaf network nodes, then resilience is improved, but network complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal failover architecture where leaf network nodes are designed with multi-functionality to serve both their primary assigned access nodes and backup for neighboring failed leaves. This standardized approach allows any leaf node to potentially take over any other leaf's access nodes through a common protocol and configuration framework, reducing the need for complex node-specific failover mechanisms while improving resilience.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a broadband access network of a telecommunications network comprising at least one central office point of delivery, the central office point of delivery comprising a switching fabric comprising a plurality of spine network nodes and a plurality of leaf network nodes, wherein the central office point of delivery comprises or is connected to an access functionality being realized by means of a plurality of access nodes that terminate physical subscriber lines providing communication services to end users or subscribers of the telecommunications network , wherein a first access node is connected or linked to a first leaf network node and a second access node is connected or linked to a second leaf network node , wherein the first access node is related to first end users or subscribers and the second access node is related to second end users or subscribers, wherein the first access node is connected or homed to both the first and the second leaf network node, wherein in order to provide for a service continuity of or regarding the first access node and the first end users or subscribers in case of a failure situation or an overload situation of the first leaf network node, the method comprises the following steps: -- in a first step, at least part of the communication services related to the first access node and the first end users or subscribers is taken over or provided by the second leaf network node, -- in a second step, the second leaf network node provides communication services related to both the first and second access nodes, wherein regarding the combination of the first and second access nodes and/or the combination of the first and second end users or subscribers, the respective communication services are provided, at least regarding a part of these access nodes and/or end users or subscribers, in or according to an emergency mode of operation and/or in a reduced or curtailed manner.