Local Gateway Router Automatic Failover via Tunnel-to-Route Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face challenges in maintaining continuous network connectivity when the network gateway router stops responding, disrupting default gateway services for subscriber networks, leading to potential downtime and increased support needs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a local gateway router that automatically switches from tunneling mode to routing mode when the network gateway router becomes unresponsive, allowing it to take over as the default gateway router, ensuring seamless communication and service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the network gateway router is used as the default gateway router for the local subnet, then centralized network management and service provider control are improved, but network connectivity and service reliability deteriorate when the network gateway router stops responding
Solution Approach 1:
The local gateway router is pre-configured with backup routing capabilities and maintains routing tables and network configuration information in advance. When the network gateway router fails, the local gateway router can immediately activate these pre-prepared routing functions without requiring reconfiguration, thus maintaining network connectivity while preserving centralized management during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The local gateway router acts as an intermediary between the network gateway router and computing devices on the subnet. It can forward packets to the network gateway router when operational, and directly handle routing when the network gateway router fails, thus mediating between centralized management requirements and local reliability needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If the local gateway router operates in tunneling mode communicating with the network gateway router, then service provider network control is improved, but network service continuity deteriorates when the tunnel connection fails
Solution Approach 1:
The local gateway router dynamically switches between tunneling mode and routing mode based on the operational status of the network gateway router. When the network gateway router is responsive, the local gateway router operates in tunneling mode for centralized control. When the network gateway router stops responding, the local gateway router automatically transitions to routing mode to maintain service continuity, thus adapting to changing network conditions
3Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is required when the network gateway router fails, then configuration accuracy is improved, but downtime and support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The local gateway router automatically detects when the network gateway router stops responding and self-activates backup routing functions without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors the responsiveness of the network gateway router and autonomously transitions between operational modes, eliminating downtime associated with manual configuration changes and reducing support requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic local gateway router backup of a network gateway router is disclosed. A local gateway router communicatively coupled to a local subnet determines that a network gateway router that serves as a default gateway router for the local subnet has stopped responding. The local gateway router and the network gateway router are configured to communicate with one another via a tunnel implemented by a tunneling protocol. In response to determining that the network gateway router has stopped responding, automatically switching, by the local gateway router, from a tunneling mode to a routing mode, such that the local gateway router becomes the default gateway router for the local subnet.