Proactive Protection Switching Using Wireless Link Performance Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protection switching mechanisms in networks only trigger when a link has failed, failing to address gradual degradation of wireless link bandwidth and quality, which can lead to service disruptions before a complete failure occurs.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors performance metrics such as packet loss and delay on wireless links, sending a signal failed message and triggering protection switching when these metrics fall outside predetermined criteria, allowing for proactive rerouting before a complete failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protection switching is triggered only when a link fails completely, then the switching mechanism remains simple and stable, but service disruptions occur before complete failure and network reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by monitoring performance metrics (packet loss, delay, jitter) and triggering protection switching before the link completely fails. The system proactively detects degradation trends and switches traffic to backup paths in advance, preventing service disruptions rather than reacting after failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing multiple performance metrics (packet loss rate, delay, jitter) as triggering conditions for protection switching. Instead of relying solely on binary link failure states, the system monitors continuous parameter variations and triggers switching when metrics exceed predefined thresholds, enabling granular control over switching decisions.
2Reliability
If performance metrics monitoring is implemented on wireless links, then proactive protection switching is enabled, but the complexity of the monitoring and switching mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a multi-functional performance monitoring mechanism that simultaneously tracks multiple metrics (packet loss, delay, jitter) and serves both quality assessment and failure prediction purposes. The same monitoring infrastructure supports both proactive switching triggers and reactive failure detection, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated performance metric collection, analysis, and switching decisions. The network devices autonomously monitor their own link performance, compare metrics against thresholds, and trigger protection switching without external intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology disclosed herein includes a method to trigger protection switching on a wireless link of a network device comprised in a protection switching capable network. The method comprises monitoring one or more performance metrics on said link and sending a signal failed message when at least one metric of said one or more performance metrics fails to satisfy performance criteria related to the at least one metric of said one or more performance metrics.