Expandable Network System Port Role Redefinition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) algorithms for ring-type networks are not quick enough in switching port states during failures, leading to significant packet loss and potential system failure due to the time required to restore connectivity.
Innovation Solution
An expandable network system with defined port roles, where each network node has at least two ports - one blocked and multiple forward ports, uses MAC addresses to determine port roles, which are dynamically redefined upon connection changes, such as failures or modifications, to rapidly establish redundant routes and avoid broadcast storms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RSTP algorithm is used to switch port states during failures, then network redundancy is provided, but packet loss occurs due to slow switching time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining port roles (root port, designated port, blocked port) during network initialization. When a failure occurs, the system doesn't need to calculate new paths from scratch but simply reassigns predefined roles, dramatically reducing switching time while maintaining redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making port roles dynamically reassignable based on real-time network conditions. The port role assignment is not static but adapts automatically when link failures or topology changes occur, allowing the network to transition smoothly between states without prolonged packet loss
2Stability of the object's composition
If blocked ports are used to prevent broadcast storms in ring-type networks, then network stability is improved, but connectivity is reduced when all ports are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional qualities to different ports based on their positions in the network topology. Root ports have forwarding capability while blocked ports have storm prevention capability, allowing each port to be optimized for its specific role rather than treating all ports uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the blocked port configuration dynamic rather than static. When link failures occur, ports that were previously blocked can be dynamically reactivated and reassign ed as root or designated ports, ensuring connectivity is restored while maintaining stability through controlled reassignment
3Reliability
If multiple ring-type networks are interconnected for redundancy, then system reliability is enhanced, but complexity of network management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified port role assignment mechanism that works across multiple interconnected ring networks. The same root port/designed port/blocked port classification system is applied universally to all rings, allowing consistent management policies to be enforced across the entire multi-ring infrastructure rather than requiring ring-specific configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex multi-ring network into manageable units by defining local port roles within each ring. This segmentation allows each ring to be managed independently with its own root and blocked ports, while still contributing to overall system redundancy, reducing the cognitive load and complexity of managing the entire network
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an expandable network system and a redundant method applied to the system. According to one embodiment, the network system may be a ring-type or linear-type network system. A plurality of network nodes form one or more sub-networks. Many interconnected sub-networks form another network. While the network system is initialized, the method defines the role of each network port of each network node in each sub-network. Concurrently, every network port interconnected between the sub-networks is also defined to be a blocked port or a forward port. This mechanism defining the role of each port not only prevents the possible broadcast storm occurred in the network system, but also modifies the network signaling path by re-defining the roles of the ports while the connection changes. Therefore, the expandable network system and the method achieve a fast-redundant connection scheme, and the more flexible network-expanding function.