Enabling LLDP on Non-Ethernet POS Interfaces via ULEI Binding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies do not effectively enable the Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) function on non-Ethernet links, such as POS interfaces, limiting network management systems' ability to discover and manage network topology and diagnose link communication states across different operators and devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable LLDP on non-Ethernet links by starting LLDP global and port enabling on network devices, binding Universal Logic Ether Interfaces (ULEI) with non-Ethernet interfaces, and processing LLDP hello messages to generate or update neighbor information, specifically supporting interfaces like POS, HDLC, FR, and ATM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LLDP function is enabled on Ethernet interfaces only, then the protocol implementation is simple and standardized, but the network management capability is limited to Ethernet networks and cannot discover devices on non-Ethernet links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion mechanism that translates LLDP packets from Ethernet format to suitable formats for non-Ethernet interfaces (POS, HDLC, FR, ATM). This intermediary layer allows the LLDP protocol to operate on diverse interfaces without requiring complete protocol redesign, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the LLDP protocol universal by enabling it to function across multiple interface types (Ethernet, POS, HDLC, FR, ATM) through a unified implementation approach. The system achieves multi-functionality by using common processing logic that adapts to different interface characteristics, allowing single protocol to serve multiple purposes
2Reliability
If LLDP is extended to support non-Ethernet interfaces, then network management coverage is improved, but the interface binding and packet processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface handling into distinct binding relationships (Ethernet interface bound to non-Ethernet interface). This segmentation allows independent configuration and management of each interface pair, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability through modular error isolation and targeted troubleshooting
3Loss of information
If automatic discovery function is used at network layer only, then implementation is simple, but detailed link layer information such as interface connections and paths cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual network discovery and documentation methods with automated LLDP-based discovery. The system automatically collects, transmits, and processes link layer information including interface connections and paths, eliminating the need for manual network inventory while improving both information completeness and management efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The disclosure provides a realization method for enabling a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) function on a non-Ethernet link, which includes: starting LLDP global enabling on a network device at an end and a network device at an opposite end respectively; starting LLDP port enabling on a non-Ethernet interface of the network device at the end and a non-Ethernet interface of the network device at the opposite end respectively. The disclosure further provides a realization system for enabling an LLDP function on a non-Ethernet link, correspondingly. The disclosure extends and improves the physical interface scope supported by an LLDP, and achieves the purpose of enabling the LLDP neighbour discovery function on the non-Ethernet link such as a POS interface by means of supporting usage of the LLDP on the interface such as the POS interface.