Network Port Loop Detection and Selective Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a loop is generated in a network configuration due to incorrect connections between network devices, existing methods to dissolve the loop by shutting off communication on specific ports can disrupt correct communication paths, leading to unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a communication controller and shutoff unit that detects linkups, sends loop detection frames after a predetermined period, and shuts off communication on the port from which the frame is sent, ensuring correct communication paths are maintained during loop dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication is shut off on ports to dissolve a loop, then the loop is dissolved, but correct communication paths may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the loop detection and resolution process by having each port independently send and detect loop detection frames. Each port operates autonomously to determine if it is part of a loop, allowing selective shutdown of only the problematic ports while preserving correct communication paths. This segmentation enables precise identification and isolation of loop-causing connections without affecting other valid connections in the network.
2Loss of time
If loop detection frames are sent immediately after linkup detection, then loop detection is faster, but communication may be disrupted during the detection period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by sending loop detection frames immediately after linkup detection without waiting for a predetermined period. This allows the system to proactively detect loops as soon as a connection is established, preventing loop interference from developing while minimizing communication disruption time. The preliminary detection approach ensures that loops are identified and resolved before they can cause significant interference.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a network device includes a plurality of ports, a communication controller that controls communication on the each port, and a communication shutoff unit that shuts off communication on any of the ports. The communication controller includes a linkup detection unit that detects a linkup of the each port, a loop detection frame sending unit that sends a loop detection frame from a linkup detected port, which is a port for which the linkup is detected after a predetermined period from a time point when the linkup is detected by the linkup detection unit, and a loop detection frame detection unit that detects the loop detection frame if the loop detection frame is received on the each port. The communication shutoff unit shuts off communication carried out on a sending port which is a port from which the detected loop detection frame is sent.