Packet Routing via Branching Node for Handover Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handover methods in packet switched networks, such as the Internet, result in data packets traversing the same links twice, leading to additional overhead and potential out-of-order packet reception at mobile hosts due to bi-casting and tunneling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where intermediate packet nodes in a chain of nodes install and operate with dual routing paths to prevent packets from being forwarded back along the link they arrived on, allowing for efficient soft-handover by routing packets to both old and new access nodes without retraversing links, using unique addresses and dynamic routing values to manage handovers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bi-casting is used to forward packets to both old and new access nodes during handover, then connectivity is maintained, but packets traverse the same links twice causing additional overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet forwarding path by introducing a branching node that divides the packet flow into two separate routes: one to the old access node and one to the new access node. This segmentation prevents packets from traversing the same links twice by creating distinct forwarding paths through the network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The branching node acts as an intermediary element in the network path. It receives packets from the source and selectively forwards copies to both old and new access nodes through different routes, eliminating the need for packets to re-traverse shared links while maintaining connectivity during handover.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tunneling is used to forward packets during handover, then packets can be routed to the new access node, but packets arrive at the new access node significantly later causing out-of-order delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing alternative routing paths through the branching node before handover completes. Packets are forwarded along multiple predetermined routes simultaneously, ensuring that packets reach both access nodes at appropriate times without significant delays, thereby maintaining in-order delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts packet routing based on real-time handover conditions. The branching node dynamically forwards packets to both old and new access nodes through different paths, adapting the routing strategy to maintain optimal packet delivery timing while allowing flexible routing during the transition period.
3Adaptability or versatility
If packets are bi-casted to old and new access nodes, then handover is supported, but the same links are traversed twice leading to additional processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing function by introducing a dedicated branching node that handles packet duplication and forwarding to multiple access nodes. This segmentation isolates the complexity of multi-path routing from the regular packet forwarding paths, allowing handover capability to be implemented without increasing overall routing complexity in the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of routing packets in a packet network is disclosed. The packet network includes a chain of packet nodes, the chain comprising a first and second access node for communicating with one or more mobile nodes and one or more intermediate packet nodes providing a path interconnecting the first and second access nodes. Previous methods are inefficient and lead to additional overhead. The method comprises the steps of: installing, in said intermediate packet nodes, first routing data defining a first routing path in one direction along said chain to a mobile node via said first access node and second routing data defining a second routing path in the opposite direction along said chain to said mobile node via said second access node; operating each of said intermediate packet nodes to: determine, on receipt of a packet destined for said mobile node, whether said packet is from another node on said chain or not; and a) if the packet is determined to be from a node not on said chain, copying the packet and routing said copy along one of said routing paths and routing said packet along the other of said routing paths; and b) if the packet is determined to be from another node on said chain, route said packet along said chain only in the direction in which it is currently travelling.