Graceful Network Element Insertion and Removal via Dependency-Aware Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network protocols experience transient packet loss during the removal or insertion of network elements due to the lack of a structured shut-down or start-up sequence and reactive nature of resiliency protocols, leading to increased re-convergence time and disruption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Graceful Operations Manager that schedules and orchestrates shut-down or start-up routines for network protocols and components in an optimal order based on dependencies, and proactively signals network elements for insertion or removal, enabling the creation and enforcement of a standby topology to minimize disruption and re-convergence time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network elements are removed or inserted using traditional reactive protocols, then network resiliency is maintained, but transient packet loss occurs and re-convergence time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively signaling network elements about upcoming removal or insertion events before they actually occur. This allows the network to prepare alternate routes in advance, eliminating detection time and reducing re-convergence time while maintaining network resiliency through planned topology transitions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional routing protocols are used during topology changes, then network stability is maintained, but packet loss occurs during the transition period
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing and preparing standby routing tables and alternate paths before the actual topology change occurs. This allows seamless switching to pre-prepared routes, eliminating packet loss while maintaining routing table consistency through controlled transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (standby topology and Graceful Operations Manager) that mediates between the current stable state and the new topology. This intermediary layer allows smooth transitions by providing pre-prepared alternate routes that can be activated without disrupting active traffic forwarding.
3Device complexity
If protocols are shut down or started in arbitrary order, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but overall reconvergence time increases due to protocol dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by implementing adaptive, dependency-aware protocol management. The Graceful Operations Manager dynamically determines the optimal shutdown and startup sequence based on protocol dependencies, allowing the system to adapt its management approach rather than following fixed arbitrary orders, thereby reducing overall reconvergence time.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, when a network element is to be removed from or inserted into a network a Graceful Operations Manager schedules graceful shut-down and/or start-up routines for different protocols and/or components on the network element in an optimal order based on dependencies between the different protocols and components. The Graceful Operations Manager communicates with the different components at different stages of their shut-down or start-up process and communicates information on the standby topology across components and/or protocols to enable the synchronization of the standby topology computation on all components and/or protocols that are affected by the removal or insertion.