Multiple Spanning Trees for Network Loop Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The management of redundant network components during normal operation is complicated due to the need to avoid bridging loops and manage multiple redundant links and devices, which increases complexity and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple spanning trees within a network, each associated with a different ingress point, allows packets to be forwarded according to specific tree rules, using ingress point identifiers to filter and route packets effectively, thereby simplifying management and preventing loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple redundant links are active simultaneously to provide increased bandwidth, then network reliability and bandwidth are improved, but management complexity increases due to the need to avoid bridging loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple spanning trees, each associated with a specific ingress point. This segmentation allows different groups of redundant links to be actively used simultaneously without creating loops within each spanning tree, thereby maintaining network reliability while reducing management complexity through structured organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spanning tree identifiers as intermediaries to manage packet forwarding. Each spanning tree is assigned a unique identifier, and packets are tagged with the identifier of the ingress point through which they entered. This intermediary mechanism enables automated loop prevention and simplified management of multiple redundant links
2Reliability
If multiple redundant components are used during normal operation, then network reliability is improved, but management complexity increases due to the need for different points of management for each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple redundant components under a unified spanning tree framework. Instead of managing each redundant link or device separately, all redundant components are organized into spanning trees that are managed collectively, reducing the number of management points while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal spanning tree structure that can accommodate multiple redundant components with different functions. Each spanning tree serves multiple purposes: it provides loop prevention, enables load balancing across redundant links, and simplifies management. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate management mechanisms for each redundant component
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a single spanning tree is used for the entire network, then loop prevention is achieved, but bandwidth utilization is reduced because redundant links must remain idle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic spanning tree selection based on packet ingress points. Instead of a static single spanning tree, the system dynamically assigns packets to different spanning trees depending on where they enter the network. This dynamic approach allows redundant links to be actively utilized while maintaining loop prevention, thereby increasing bandwidth utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spanning tree assignment from a single fixed value to multiple values corresponding to different ingress points. By associating each ingress point with a specific spanning tree identifier, the system enables different sets of redundant links to be actively used simultaneously across different parts of the network, increasing overall bandwidth utilization while maintaining loop prevention
Data Source
AI summary
Several different spanning trees are calculated for a network. The network has several different ingress points via which packets can enter the network. Each of the spanning trees is associated with (at least) one of the ingress points, such that different spanning trees are associated with different ingress points. Packets that enter the network via a particular ingress point are forwarded through the network according to the spanning tree associated with that particular ingress point.