Master Node Self-Loopback Prevention in Packet Transport Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Packet Transport Networks, self-loopback of network data occurs when both master and standby forwarding links fail, leading to data traffic waste and reduced utilization due to self-receiving and self-sending of data packets within the network structure.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that modify the forwarding attribute of a standby egress port in the data packet forwarding table to route data through the master forwarding link when both master and standby forwarding links fail, and revert when the standby link is resumed, ensuring data packets are forwarded correctly and reducing traffic waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the master and standby ACs fail, then data protection switching is performed, but self-loopback occurs causing data traffic waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protection switchingVSAvoiddata traffic waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the head node detects when data packets are looped back to itself through failed master and standby links. Upon detecting this self-loopback condition, the head node sends an indication message to the standby node to clear the protection switching state, thereby stopping the wasteful circulation of data packets and conserving network resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary indication message as a mediator between the head node and standby node. This message serves as a control signal that triggers the standby node to clear its protection switching state when self-loopback is detected, effectively resolving the contradiction between maintaining protection switching reliability and preventing data traffic waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If double-receiving mode is configured for head node, then data can be received from both master and standby nodes, but self-receiving and self-sending of data packets occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedouble-receiving modeVSAvoidself-loopback
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The head node monitors incoming data packets and implements feedback by detecting when packets originate from itself due to link failures. When self-loopback is detected through this feedback mechanism, the head node sends an indication message to the standby node to clear the protection switching state, thereby eliminating the harmful self-receiving effect while preserving the adaptability of double-receiving mode for normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3048761B1Control method and device for self-loopback of network data
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 ZTE CORP
  • EP3048761B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3048761B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3048761B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method and device for controlling self-loopback of network data are provided. The method includes that: whether a master forwarding link and standby forwarding link of a master node in a network structure both fail or not is determined; and when the master forwarding link and the standby forwarding link of the master node both fail, a forwarding attribute of a standby egress port in a data packet forwarding table of the master node is modified into forwarding through the master forwarding link of the master node.