Packet Switch Virtual Interface Tunnel Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packet switches inactivate all primary paths when one primary path fails, even if other paths are operational, leading to unnecessary service interruptions and inefficient network redundancy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where packet switches assign packets to virtual interfaces associated with multiple tunnels, designating one as primary and others as backup, allowing seamless transition between tunnels without affecting operational paths, using tables to manage tunnel indices and transport identifiers to ensure efficient path switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the packet switch inactivates all primary paths when one primary path fails, then the backup path becomes active and relays packets, but this causes unnecessary service interruptions and reduces network productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the primary paths by associating each primary path with its own dedicated backup path through virtual interfaces. When one primary path fails, only its specific backup path is activated while other primary paths continue operating normally. This segmentation prevents the failure of one path from cascading to affect other paths, thereby maintaining network productivity while ensuring reliability through targeted backup activation.
2Reliability
If the packet switch designates one primary path and one backup path per virtual interface, then seamless transition between tunnels is enabled, but this increases device complexity through additional tables and management structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual interfaces that serve multiple functions: they associate multiple primary paths with multiple backup paths, manage tunnel indices, and handle path failure detection and activation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex management structures for each path pair, enabling seamless transitions while managing complexity through universal virtual interface objects that handle multiple path associations.
3Productivity
If the packet switch uses virtual interfaces to associate multiple primary paths with multiple backup paths, then network redundancy is maintained and service interruptions are minimized, but this requires additional tables and identifiers increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes virtual interfaces that associate multiple primary paths with multiple backup paths before failures occur. Tunnel indices and transport identifiers are pre-configured in tables, so when a failure occurs, the switch can immediately activate the appropriate backup path without complex real-time decision-making. This preliminary configuration minimizes service interruption time while organizing the necessary complexity into structured, pre-prepared associations.
Data Source
AI summary
Packet switch operating methods and packet switches assign a packet to a virtual interface. The virtual interface is associated with a plurality of tunnels. One of the plurality is designated a primary tunnel configured to accept packets. Other tunnels of the plurality are designated as backup tunnels and are configured to reject packets. The methods and packet switches also determine which of the plurality of tunnels is the primary tunnel and determine a packet switch port associated with the primary tunnel. The methods and packet switches egress the packet via the primary tunnel on the packet switch port associated with the primary tunnel.