Link Bundle Metric Adjustment for Network Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communications networks, when multiple link bundles fail, existing methods may isolate network segments due to the lack of alternative paths, as they remove the bundle from routing considerations even if it can still support partial traffic load, leading to network isolation.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method to switch between advertising a normal link bundle metric and a limited operation mode link bundle metric based on the number of operational links, setting the metric to a maximum value or a multiple of the normal metric to discourage use of faulty bundles, keeping them as last resort links and maintaining network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a link bundle is removed from routing considerations when the number of operational links falls below a configured number, then the risk of packet loss is reduced, but network isolation may occur when multiple bundles fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link metric adjustment based on the number of operational links in a bundle. Instead of statically removing failed bundles from routing considerations, the system dynamically modifies the metric values to reflect the actual operational capacity, allowing the routing protocol to adaptively select appropriate paths based on current network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the link metric parameter based on the number of operational links. When links fail, the metric is adjusted to a value that discourages but does not completely prohibit usage of the degraded bundle, allowing flexible adaptation to varying network conditions while maintaining routing options
2Reliability
If a link bundle metric is advertised to discourage use when operational links are insufficient, then faulty bundles are avoided, but alternative paths may not be available when multiple bundles fail
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely disabling a link bundle when it cannot handle full traffic load, the patent applies partial action by adjusting the metric to discourage but not completely prohibit usage. This allows the degraded bundle to serve as a partial alternative path when multiple bundles fail, preventing network isolation while still prioritizing healthier paths
3Reliability
If the link metric is set to maximum value for limited operation mode bundles, then the faulty bundle becomes a link of last resort, but the bundle is completely avoided by routing decisions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of setting the metric to maximum value which completely prohibits usage, the patent inverts the approach by using a modified metric that encourages limited usage of degraded bundles as backup paths. This reversal allows the system to benefit from available capacity in failed bundles while maintaining routing flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus relating to the use of aggregated links, e.g., links in a bundle, are described. A normal link metric and a limited operation mode link metric a determined for a link bundle, the normal link metric having a lower value than the limited operational mode link metric. The status of links in a link bundle are monitored. Based on the number of currently operational links in a link bundle and a switching threshold, a decision is made whether to advertise the normal link metric, advertise the limited operation mode threshold or refrain from advertising any link metric. The use of the limited operation link metric facilitates the use of a partially failed link bundle providing an alternative routing path in the network that would not otherwise be available.