Multicast Network Element Dual-Path Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multicast routing architectures are prone to significant downtime during interruptions, as they rely on unicast routing protocol convergence to redirect multicast traffic streams, leading to delays that are unacceptable for services like IPTV.
Innovation Solution
A network element configures multiple interfaces to receive equivalent multicast traffic streams, allowing for seamless transition to a secondary interface in case of primary interface failure, without relying on unicast routing protocol convergence, thereby minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multicast routing relies on unicast routing protocol convergence to redirect traffic, then routing accuracy is improved, but interruption time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple interfaces with equivalent multicast traffic streams before any failure occurs. When the primary interface fails, the network element can immediately switch to a pre-prepared secondary interface without waiting for routing protocol convergence, thus resolving the contradiction between routing accuracy and interruption time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary interface as an intermediary backup path. This intermediary interface receives equivalent multicast traffic in advance and can immediately take over when the primary interface fails, eliminating the need to wait for unicast routing protocol convergence while maintaining accurate multicast routing.
2Reliability
If multiple interfaces are configured for multicast traffic reception, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational state of multiple interfaces from inactive backups to active equivalent traffic receivers. By configuring multiple interfaces to receive equivalent multicast traffic streams with the same source and group, the system achieves failover capability while maintaining consistent traffic parameters, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If seamless transition between interfaces is achieved, then service continuity is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the multicast traffic reception capability on a secondary interface that mirrors the primary interface's function. By configuring the secondary interface to receive equivalent multicast traffic with identical source and group parameters, the system enables seamless failover without complex failover mechanisms, as the secondary interface is already prepared to handle the traffic immediately.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for minimizing packet loss of multicast traffic stream when a failure occurs are described herein. In one embodiment of the invention, a network element separately joins a multicast group through a first and second path respectively. During uninterrupted operation, the network element processes the packets of the multicast traffic stream it receives through the first path and drops the packets of the equivalent multicast traffic stream it receives through the second path. Upon an interruption of the packets of the multicast traffic stream being received through the first path, the network element transitions to processing the packets of the equivalent multicast traffic stream it receives through the second path. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.