Microwave Node Bandwidth Degradation Detection in ERP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) networks face bandwidth degradation issues in microwave links, leading to reduced ring throughput and inefficient bandwidth utilization, especially when degradation occurs without complete link failure, as existing solutions do not effectively manage bandwidth changes without modifying the G.8032 protocol or state machines.
Innovation Solution
A microwave node and method that generate a signal indicating link failure due to bandwidth degradation, allowing ERP protection switching to be triggered without altering the existing protocol or state machines, enabling backward compatibility with non-microwave nodes and enhancing bandwidth utilization by identifying and managing degraded links within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ERP protocol is used without modification, then backward compatibility is maintained, but bandwidth degradation of microwave links cannot be detected or managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (bandwidth notification messages and local bandwidth monitoring) that enables microwave nodes to detect and report bandwidth degradation without modifying the core ERP protocol. This intermediary layer allows the system to gain bandwidth degradation detection capability while maintaining compatibility with existing non-microwave nodes that do not send bandwidth notifications.
2Productivity
If microwave link bandwidth degradation is ignored, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but ring throughput decreases to the degraded bandwidth level
Solution Approach 1:
The microwave node performs self-monitoring of its local link bandwidth and automatically generates failure indication signals when degradation is detected. This self-service approach enables the node to protect itself against bandwidth degradation without requiring external monitoring or complex centralized control, thereby maintaining high ring throughput while managing the added complexity through automation.
3Productivity
If ERP protection switching is triggered only on complete link failure, then false switching is avoided, but bandwidth utilization is reduced when degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the threshold parameter for triggering protection switching from binary link failure to bandwidth degradation levels. By monitoring bandwidth as a continuous parameter and comparing it against threshold values, the system can intelligently determine when to trigger protection switching, thereby improving bandwidth utilization while avoiding false switching through proper threshold selection.
4Loss of information
If all microwave nodes send bandwidth notification messages, then complete network bandwidth visibility is achieved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having only microwave nodes (not all nodes) send bandwidth notification messages. This selective approach provides complete bandwidth information for microwave links while avoiding unnecessary overhead from non-microwave nodes that do not have bandwidth degradation issues, thereby balancing information completeness with network efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a microwave node (100) for an Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) network (400). The node (100) comprises at least one processor (101) configured to determine whether a degree of bandwidth degradation of a local link (102) of the microwave node (100) fulfils a degradation condition. Further, the at least one processor (101) is configured to generate a signal (103) indicating a fail of the local link (102), if the degradation condition is fulfilled. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for EPR.