Network Protection Architecture Using Dedicated Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network protection methods are limited to specific topologies, such as ring topology, and are not suitable for flexible topologies, which can lead to network storms and reduced reliability due to closed communication loops and inadequate redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A network protection method and architecture that sets up a protection characteristic set for a local network, selects a protection link based on traffic, and manages port blocking/unblocking based on protection switching requests, allowing flexible application across various network topologies to enhance fault tolerance and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple communication paths are set between two nodes to achieve redundancy backup, then network reliability is improved, but closed loops may form causing network storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection link from the regular data forwarding paths. A dedicated protection link is established between two nodes, separate from the working paths. This extracted protection link is used exclusively for failure recovery, preventing it from participating in normal data forwarding and thus avoiding closed loop formation during normal operation while maintaining redundancy capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protection link as an intermediary element between working paths. This protection link acts as a mediator that can be activated only when working paths fail. By using this intermediary protection mechanism, the system achieves redundancy without allowing multiple active paths to coexist that could form harmful closed loops.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a ring protection link is used to prevent closed loops, then network storm is prevented, but the solution is limited to ring topology only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the ring-specific protection mechanism into a universal solution applicable to various topologies. The protection link concept is generalized from ring topology to work with any topology type (tree, mesh, star, etc.). The same protection link mechanism that prevented storms in ring networks can now be applied universally across different network architectures, achieving both storm prevention and topology adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the topological parameter constraints from ring-specific to topology-agnostic. Instead of requiring a closed ring structure, the protection link is defined by its functional characteristics (dedicated failure recovery path) rather than its geometric arrangement. This parameter change allows the solution to adapt to various network topologies while maintaining the core storm prevention functionality.
3Reliability
If protection protocol is implemented on each node, then network protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection protocol implementation into a centralized or distributed control mechanism rather than requiring each node to independently run complex protection protocols. The protection link management is consolidated, reducing the protocol complexity burden on individual nodes while maintaining comprehensive network protection through coordinated control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a network protection method and a network protection architecture. In a network, one or more protected local networks are determined according to practical situations and a protection characteristic set of the local network is set; a link in the protected links of the protection characteristic is set as a protection link; and whether a protection switching request exists is judged, if the protection switching request does not exist, a node to which the protection link belongs blocks a port connected with the protection link; and if the protection switching request exists, a node of the protection switching request blocks a designated port of the protection switching request, and the node to which the protection link belongs unblocks the port connected with the protection link. This solution is suitable for networks with various kinds of topologies, when a protocol channel of a protection protocol for a transmit path of a protocol frame indicating the existence of the protection switching request is set up in the protection characteristic set, the protection protocol is prevented from being implemented on each node.