Multicast Forwarder Link Failure Backup Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multicast traffic transmission, abnormal transmission links between traffic forwarders and reception devices lead to low efficiency in receiving multicast traffic, as existing systems do not effectively switch traffic to backup paths when issues arise.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect abnormal transmission links and send requests to backup forwarders with protection marks and address information, enabling seamless traffic forwarding to ensure continuous reception without disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single traffic forwarder is used to forward multicast traffic, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of traffic reception deteriorates when transmission links become abnormal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring backup traffic forwarders (BDF) alongside the designed forwarder (DF) before any link failure occurs. When the DF's transmission link becomes abnormal, the system can immediately switch to the BDF without delay, ensuring continuous multicast traffic reception. This advance preparation of backup paths resolves the contradiction by maintaining high reliability while keeping the activation logic simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of the traffic forwarder system from a single-active mode to a standby-mode configuration. By introducing a BDF that remains dormant until needed, the system maintains low complexity during normal operation while achieving high reliability when failures occur. The parameter change involves switching from one forwarder to another based on link status, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Productivity
If no backup forwarder is configured, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity of traffic reception deteriorates when link abnormalities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the BDF configuration and monitoring mechanisms before link failures occur. This allows the system to maintain high productivity during normal operation while having the capability to switch to backup paths immediately when abnormalities are detected, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the transmission link status between the DF and traffic reception devices. When abnormalities are detected, the system provides feedback to switch traffic forwarding to the BDF. This feedback loop ensures high productivity by automatically responding to link failures while maintaining relatively simple architecture through automated decision-making.
3Reliability
If traffic switching to backup paths is not implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of continuous traffic reception deteriorates during link failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the BDF and establishing the switching logic before any link failure occurs. This allows the system to maintain reliable continuous traffic reception by having backup paths ready, while keeping the complexity manageable through pre-planned switching mechanisms rather than ad-hoc path management.
Data Source
AI summary
A multicast traffic transmission method includes: detecting (S201) whether a transmission link between a designed forwarder (DF) and a traffic reception device is abnormal; and when the transmission link between the DF and the traffic reception device is abnormal, sending (S202) a first request to a backup designed forwarder (BDF). A packet of the first request includes a protection mark and address information about the traffic reception device, and the first request is used for requesting the BDF to forward traffic to the traffic reception device.