Protection Switching Domain Priority VLAN Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for preventing single points of failure in ring networks, such as Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching (EAPS) systems, face scaling issues as the number of protected VLANs increases, leading to longer data traffic convergence times due to sequential processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a protection switching domain with a control VLAN, a set of high-priority protected data VLANs, and a set of lower-priority protected VLANs, where the master node unblocks the secondary port for high-priority VLANs first and queues events for lower-priority VLANs until the high-priority set is complete, allowing users to specify priorities and ensuring faster data traffic convergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If EAPS processes protected VLANs sequentially, then system complexity is reduced, but data traffic convergence time increases as the number of protected VLANs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the set of protected VLANs into multiple priority groups (e.g., high priority and low priority VLANs). The master node processes these segmented groups in parallel rather than sequentially, with each priority group being handled independently. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple VLANs within the same priority level, significantly reducing the total convergence time while maintaining manageable processing complexity through organized group handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic priority-based processing where the master node can adaptively manage different VLAN priority levels. High priority VLANs are serviced first, followed by low priority VLANs, creating a dynamic processing sequence that optimizes convergence time for critical traffic while still handling non-critical traffic. This dynamic approach allows the system to adjust processing behavior based on traffic importance without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of protected VLANs increases, then network coverage and protection scope improve, but data traffic convergence time increases across all VLANs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting VLANs into priority groups, the system can expand protection scope to cover more VLANs without proportionally increasing convergence time. Each segmented group is processed independently in parallel, so adding more VLANs to protected groups does not linearly increase total processing time, thus maintaining fast convergence even as protection scope expands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different VLAN groups based on their priority levels. High priority VLANs receive immediate processing with higher quality service, while low priority VLANs are processed afterward with standard service. This local quality differentiation allows the system to handle diverse VLAN requirements efficiently, expanding protection scope while maintaining fast convergence for critical traffic.
3Loss of time
If all VLANs are serviced simultaneously, then data traffic convergence time is reduced, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments VLANs into parallel processing groups that can be handled simultaneously without overwhelming system resources. Each segment is processed independently by the master node, enabling parallel execution that reduces total convergence time while keeping individual processing tasks manageable and complexity controlled through organized group handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic priority-based processing allows the system to service multiple VLAN groups simultaneously in a controlled manner. The master node manages multiple priority queues and can process high priority VLANs concurrently while preparing low priority VLANs for subsequent processing, achieving near-simultaneous service without the full complexity of completely parallel processing of all VLANs.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention describe apparatus, systems and methods for creating a protection switching domain having a control virtual local area network (vlan), a first set of high priority protected data vlans, and a second set of lower priority protected data vlans. When a fault is detected at a ring network, indicating a failed link between adjacent nodes, said fault is communicated to a master node of the ring network via the control vlan.Embodiments of the invention allow a user to specify a priority for each of its domains on a given set of ring ports. The higher priority protected data domains are serviced to completion prior to servicing the lower priority protected data domains, ensuring that data traffic convergence time does not increase across these vlans.