Network Control Apparatus for Redundant Data Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data network protocols like PRP and HSR lack overload protection and ensure scalability, as they require known data traffic volumes and careful project planning, which complicates network redundancy and separation.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that ascertain and select primary and alternative data paths with no shared transmission links, using layer 2 protocols for seamless redundancy and bandwidth reservation to ensure overload protection, allowing for adaptable data transmission independent of actual traffic load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PRP or HSR protocols are used to ensure seamless redundancy, then data transmission reliability is improved, but overload protection is lacking and network scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing bandwidth reservations and identifying alternative data paths before overload occurs. The control apparatus proactively monitors data traffic volumes and reserves bandwidth on primary data paths, and pre-identifies alternative paths with no shared transmission links, enabling seamless failover without reconfiguration time when failures occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus acts as an intermediary between network nodes and data terminal devices, monitoring data traffic volumes and managing bandwidth reservations. It coordinates the selection of primary and alternative data paths, and manages the switching between paths when overloads or failures occur, providing centralized control for both redundancy and overload protection.
2Reliability
If engineered networks with careful project planning are used, then overload protection is achieved, but network scalability is complicated and requires known data traffic volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus continuously monitors data traffic volumes on data paths and uses this feedback to dynamically manage bandwidth reservations and path selection. This feedback mechanism enables the network to adapt to changing traffic conditions without requiring detailed prior planning, achieving overload protection through real-time observation and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic path selection and bandwidth management that adapts to current network conditions. The control apparatus can switch between primary and alternative data paths based on real-time traffic volumes and failure conditions, and can reserve bandwidth dynamically rather than requiring static pre-planning for all scenarios.
3Reliability
If data paths are separated into disjunct parallel paths for redundancy, then seamless redundancy is achieved, but network configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus automatically performs path selection, bandwidth reservation, and failover management without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The system self-manages the complexity of maintaining disjunct parallel data paths by autonomously monitoring conditions and executing path switching when needed, reducing the operational burden on network administrators.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes a first apparatus for ascertaining at least one primary data path between a first and a second data terminal device, which are connected to a data network, a second apparatus for selecting one of the ascertained primary data paths and a third apparatus for ascertaining at least one alternative data path between the first and the second data terminal device, which alternative data path has no common transmission links with the selected primary data path. A corresponding network node and a corresponding method for operating the apparatus are also described.