Network Element Local Re-routing for Packet Delivery Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in providing high availability during route failures, as they often rely on centralized re-routing protocols that are slow and inefficient, leading to temporary outages and packet delivery issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method in network elements with multiple interfaces that allow for local decision-making to reroute packets from a failing egress interface to a fallback interface within the same group or outside the group, using hash functions and notification systems to select the best alternative path, ensuring continuous packet delivery until the primary route recovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized re-routing protocols are used to manage traffic routing during route failures, then network-wide routing consistency is maintained, but re-routing speed is slow and temporary outages occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the re-routing decision-making process by dividing network elements into different groups (first group with strict in-order delivery requirements, second group allowing out-of-order delivery). Each group independently determines its own re-routing behavior based on packet markings, enabling localized fast re-routing for the second group while maintaining centralized control for the first group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring alternative egress interfaces and establishing re-routing capabilities in advance. Network elements maintain backup routing paths and can immediately switch to alternative interfaces when failures are detected, without waiting for centralized protocol convergence.
2Stability of the object's composition
If strict in-order delivery is enforced for all packets, then packet delivery order is maintained, but re-routing flexibility is reduced causing longer outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating re-routing behavior based on packet characteristics. Packets are marked with indicators specifying whether they require strict in-order delivery or can tolerate out-of-order delivery. This allows the network to apply different re-routing strategies locally to different packet flows, optimizing both delivery order requirements and re-routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by enabling network elements to adaptively change re-routing behavior based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically selects between maintaining strict in-order delivery or allowing temporary out-of-order delivery depending on packet markings and current network state, providing flexibility while meeting service requirements.
3Speed
If fast re-routing is implemented by allowing out-of-order packet delivery, then re-routing speed is improved, but packet delivery order may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network elements monitor packet delivery status and route validity. When routes fail or recover, feedback signals trigger appropriate re-routing actions. The system continuously adjusts re-routing behavior based on real-time network conditions and packet delivery requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses packet markings as intermediaries to convey delivery order requirements through the network. These markings act as instructions that intermediate network elements use to determine whether to enforce strict in-order delivery or allow temporary out-of-order delivery during re-routing, enabling fine-grained control over delivery behavior.
4Reliability
If centralized routing control is used, then routing decisions are coordinated network-wide, but response time to failures is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments routing control authority by allowing network elements in the second group to independently make re-routing decisions without waiting for centralized protocol responses. This segmentation enables immediate local re-routing actions while centralized control continues to manage the first group requiring strict in-order delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares network elements in advance by pre-configuring alternative routes and re-routing capabilities. When failures occur, these pre-prepared resources enable immediate switching without requiring time-consuming centralized coordination, reducing failure response time while maintaining routing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a network element that includes multiple interfaces for connecting to a communication network includes receiving via an ingress interface packets that are not allowed to undergo re-routing and that are addressed to a destination via a first egress interface. The packets are forwarded via the first egress interface when there is a valid path from the first egress interface to the destination. When there is no valid path from the first egress interface to the destination, a second egress interface is selected from a group of multiple egress interfaces that have respective paths to the destination and are assigned to packets for which re-routing is allowed, and the packets are forwarded via the second egress interface until recovering a path to the destination.