Network Device Candidate Path Selection via Preference Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently selecting and switching between candidate paths in communication networks, particularly in scenarios requiring fast failover and resilient multicast traffic delivery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network device and method that utilize candidate path preference information to support candidate path selection. This involves distributing candidate path preference information to network devices based on failure monitoring and network configuration, enabling swift selection and switching between candidate paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If candidate path selection is performed without preference information distribution, then device complexity is reduced, but failover switching speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes candidate path preference information to network devices in advance, before any failure occurs. This preliminary distribution enables devices to immediately select alternative paths when failures happen, without needing to compute or exchange information during the failover event, thus achieving fast switching without adding complex real-time computation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a path computation element (PCE) as an intermediary that computes and distributes candidate path preference information to network devices. This intermediary handles the complex path computation and preference determination centrally, allowing individual network devices to simply follow the distributed preferences without implementing complex path selection algorithms themselves
2Reliability
If candidate path preference information is distributed to all network devices, then multicast traffic delivery reliability is improved, but network communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes candidate path preference information selectively to only those network devices that need it for multicast traffic delivery, rather than universally to all devices. Each device receives preference information relevant to its specific role and position in the network, reducing unnecessary communication overhead while ensuring reliability where needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple candidate paths are maintained without preference information, then path selection flexibility is improved, but selection process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the path selection problem by changing the parameter representation from complex multi-criteria evaluation to simple preference value comparison. Each candidate path is assigned a preference value, and devices simply select the path with the highest preference, converting a complex selection process into a straightforward parameter-based decision
Data Source
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AI summary
Various example embodiments for supporting candidate path selection in a communication system are presented. The support for candidate path selection may be based on candidate path preference information of the candidate paths where the candidate path preference information of the candidate paths may be configured for use by network devices in selecting between the candidate paths. The support for candidate path selection based on candidate path preference information of the candidate paths may be provided within the context of candidate path selection which may include failover switching. The support for candidate path selection based on candidate path preference information may be based on support for distribution of the candidate path preference information of the candidate paths to network devices and use of the candidate path preference information of the candidate paths by the network devices to support selection of the candidate paths.