Network Path Rerouting with Local Failover and Path Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized controllers in networks face challenges in timely repair of non-operational paths due to volume overload, leading to traffic loss and resource wastage, especially when the controller becomes non-operational.
Innovation Solution
A controller platform that shares path control with network devices, providing path data including primary and secondary paths, allowing devices to reroute traffic and repair paths autonomously, even if the central controller is down.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized controller is used to control all paths in the network, then path control is centralized and manageable, but the controller becomes overloaded and cannot repair paths in a timely manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides path control functionality between the centralized controller and network devices. The centralized controller provides path data and high-level control, while network devices autonomously handle path selection, traffic routing, and failure detection. This segmentation reduces the controller's workload and enables faster local responses to path failures.
Solution Approach 2:
Network devices are empowered to autonomously monitor path status, detect failures, select alternative paths from available path data, and reroute traffic without requiring controller intervention for each event. This self-service capability eliminates the bottleneck of controller processing and enables immediate path repair.
2Reliability
If the centralized controller is solely responsible for path control, then control is centralized, but traffic loss occurs when the controller becomes non-operational
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized controller pre-computes and provides multiple alternative paths through the network before failures occur. Network devices store this path data locally and can immediately select from pre-defined alternatives when failures are detected, eliminating the need for real-time controller computation and ensuring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares backup paths in advance and stores them at network devices, creating a cushion against potential controller failures. When the controller becomes non-operational, devices can continue to use pre-prepared alternative paths without interruption, protecting the network from single-point-of-failure risks.
3Reliability
If the centralized controller handles all path repairs, then control is centralized, but resources are wasted when the controller is down
Solution Approach 1:
Network devices autonomously detect path failures, select alternative paths from stored path data, and reroute traffic immediately without requiring controller resources. This eliminates resource wastage during controller outages while maintaining continuous path repair capability through distributed intelligence.
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
A device provides path data associated with a network that includes network devices interconnected by links. The path data includes data identifying a first path and a second path to be provided through the network. The device provides an instruction to cause the network devices to provide information identifying the first path and to route traffic via the first path, and receives an indication of a failure associated with the first path. The indication causes the network devices to provide information identifying the second path and to re-route the traffic from the first path to the second path. The device causes the failure associated with the first path to be repaired while the traffic is re-routed to the second path, and provides, based on causing the failure to be repaired, another instruction to cause the network devices to route the traffic via the first path.