Network Port Offline Maintenance Packet Tag Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network systems face packet loss when a port is taken offline for maintenance, reconfiguration, or other reasons, as existing methods do not effectively manage pending packets during this process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that identify a network port to be taken offline, process pending packets, store destined packet tags at another network port, and route them back when the port is brought online, ensuring in-order packet delivery and minimizing packet loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a network port is taken offline for maintenance or reconfiguration, then the port can be maintained or reconfigured, but packet loss occurs and packet delivery order is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by identifying the port to be taken offline, processing all pending packets for that port before the offline transition, and pre-storing packet tags at alternative network ports. This ensures that when the port goes offline, no packets are lost and when it comes back online, all packets are already queued and ready for delivery in the correct order.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary storage mechanisms at alternative network ports where packet tags are temporarily stored during the port's offline period. These intermediary storage locations act as buffers, holding packets destined for the offline port and releasing them in the correct sequence once the port is back online, thereby maintaining packet delivery reliability throughout the maintenance window.
2Reliability
If packets are stored at alternative network ports during offline period, then packet loss is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the existing multi-functionality of network ports, allowing them to serve both as regular data transmission interfaces and as intermediary storage locations for packet tags. This universal usage of existing port capabilities reduces the need for dedicated storage infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while still achieving reliable packet delivery during port maintenance.
3Reliability
If all pending packets are processed before taking port offline, then packet loss is minimized, but processing time and productivity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by processing packets in batches based on priority and destination. Instead of processing all packets synchronously before port offline, the system continuously processes pending packets in the background and periodically updates the alternative port storage locations. This periodic processing approach maintains productivity by allowing concurrent operations while still ensuring all packets are delivered reliably.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for network communication including identifying a first network port to be taken offline. Before taking the first network port offline, processing any pending packet tag for the first network port. The method further includes taking the first network port offline; storing a packet tag destined for the first network port at the second network port, while the first network port is offline; bringing the first network port online; and routing the packet tag stored at the second network port, while the first network port was offline; wherein the packet tag is routed from the second network port to the first network port.