Network Device Identifier Message Matching for Redundant Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data transfer networks, particularly those using IPv6, face complexity in configuring routers and establishing alternative data transfer paths for redundancy and load sharing, as existing methods do not provide adequate tools for configuring router interface addresses or creating parallel data transfer paths between routers.

Innovation Solution

A network device and method that utilize identifier messages to allocate and update forwarding databases, enabling the establishment of multiple data transfer paths by associating protocol addresses with different data interfaces, allowing for parallel and redundant data transfer paths through hierarchical logical arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static allocation of permanent network addresses is used for routers, then network stability is maintained, but configuration complexity increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The router automatically detects identifier messages from sub-nets, compares them against stored messages, and self-configures multiple data transfer paths without manual intervention. The system performs self-service by autonomously updating forwarding databases and establishing redundant paths based on received identifier messages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The router pre-stores identifier messages received from sub-nets in its memory before actual data transfer needs occur. When a data transfer path needs to be established, the router can quickly retrieve and compare these pre-stored identifier messages to determine the appropriate forwarding database updates and path configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual configuration of routing paths is performed, then network security and load sharing can be implemented, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork protectionVSAvoidease of configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The router automatically detects identifier messages containing sub-net information, compares them against stored messages, and self-configures multiple data transfer paths for protection and load sharing purposes. This eliminates manual configuration requirements while maintaining network security and redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The router implements a feedback mechanism where it continuously receives identifier messages from sub-nets, compares them against previously stored messages, and automatically adjusts forwarding database entries based on the comparison results. This closed-loop feedback system enables dynamic path configuration without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If identifier messages are received and compared across multiple data interfaces, then parallel data transfer paths are established, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel path capabilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The router's processing circuitry is designed to handle multiple functions: receiving identifier messages from various data interfaces, storing them in memory, comparing new messages against stored ones, updating forwarding databases, and establishing parallel data transfer paths. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a unified system rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The router combines the functions of message reception, storage, comparison, and path configuration into a single integrated process. By merging these operations and using a unified forwarding database that can associate protocol addresses with multiple data interfaces, the system reduces overall processing complexity while enabling parallel path capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2838245B1A method and network device for configuring a data transfer network
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 CORIANT
  • EP2838245B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2838245B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2838245B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

In a data transfer network, a network device (102) receives at its first data interface an identifier message transferred via a first data transfer path from another network device (106). The network device compares the identifier message to earlier received identifier messages. If the identifier message matches an earlier received identifier message received at another data interface and transferred via a second data transfer path from the other network device, the network device updates its forwarding database to express that the other network device is accessible also via the first data interface, and transmits address information related to the other network device via the first data interface so as to determine the first data transfer path to be an alternative for the second data transfer path. The first and second data transfer paths can be used for protecting each other and/or for load sharing.