Network Fail-Over Logic for Logical Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer networks, static configuration of next-hops can lead to unreachability when a next-hop becomes unavailable, and existing fail-over solutions do not efficiently manage fail-over across multiple logical interfaces sharing a physical medium, affecting network reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing fail-over by configuring backup devices to process traffic on monitored physical interfaces, where a logical interface failure triggers fail-over across associated logical interfaces, using a high-availability protocol to determine role changes between master and backup devices, ensuring continuous network operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent devices are used for redundant next-hops with per-interface fail-over, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and configuration management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple logical interface fail-overs into a single consolidated fail-over mechanism. Instead of running independent HA protocols on each logical interface, the system combines them under a unified fail-over manager that monitors all logical interfaces and coordinates fail-over actions centrally, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fail-over mechanism is designed to be universal across multiple logical interfaces sharing a physical medium. A single HA protocol implementation can manage fail-over for multiple virtual IP addresses and logical interfaces simultaneously, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate configurations for each interface
2Reliability
If an HA protocol is run on each logical interface for fail-over, then fail-over capability is improved, but processing overhead and system resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple HA protocol instances are merged into a single consolidated HA process that handles all logical interfaces. The system combines the monitoring, decision-making, and execution functions into one unified process, eliminating the redundant processing overhead of running separate HA protocols on each logical interface while maintaining comprehensive fail-over capability
3Ease of operation
If static next-hop configuration is used, then configuration simplicity is improved, but network availability deteriorates when next-hop becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of multiple redundant next-hops with defined priority levels and fail-over conditions. Backup next-hops are pre-configured and monitored, so when a failure occurs, the system can immediately switch to the predetermined backup without requiring runtime configuration changes or complex decision-making, thus maintaining both simplicity and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is directed towards managing fail-over in a network. At least one back-up device is configured to process traffic if a fail-over condition occurs. The back-up device includes a physical interface. A logical interface X associated with the physical interface is monitored to determine if the fail-over condition has occurred. If it is determined that the fail-over condition has occurred on interface X, then the back-up device processes traffic for another logical interface Y, associated with the physical interface. Accordingly, logical interface Y may be unmonitored. According to one embodiment, if it is determined that the fail-over condition has occurred, the back-up device processes traffic for every logical interface associated with the physical interface.