Relay System Fault Notification via Ring Network Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay systems with device-level redundancy face challenges in maintaining communication when faults occur on communication lines connecting L2 switching devices, as they require special functions and mechanisms to establish alternative paths, which can lead to operational issues and reduced availability.
Innovation Solution
A relay system with multiple switching devices, including first and second switching devices connected via bridge ports, a third switching device setting link aggregation on communication lines, and a fourth switching device forming a ring network, utilizing fault monitoring units and MCLAG control units to manage faults and maintain operation through the ring network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a method of establishing an alternative path by using a LAG path is employed when a fault occurs on the communication line connecting the two L2 switching devices, then the availability is improved, but the device complexity increases because the user L2 switching device must have a special function to cancel the prohibition of looping back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ring network as an intermediary alternative path between the two L2 switching devices. When the direct communication line fails, control frames are routed through the ring network via the fourth switching device, providing a mediator path that avoids the need for special functions in user L2 switching devices while maintaining availability.
2Ease of operation
If control frames are exchanged between the two L2 switching devices to mutually recognize port states, then the inter-device LAG control is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable when a fault occurs on the communication line connecting the two L2 switching devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection for control frame transmission. The system automatically switches between the direct communication line and the ring network path based on fault detection. When the direct line is healthy, control frames use the simple direct path; when a fault occurs, the path dynamically changes to route through the ring network, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
3Reliability
If the two L2 switching devices are configured with inter-device LAG to achieve device-level redundancy, then the system reliability is improved, but the complexity of fault monitoring and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fault monitoring and alternative path control functions into the existing ring network infrastructure. The fourth switching device in the ring network serves dual purposes: normal data transmission and fault notification relay. This merging approach maintains device-level redundancy while avoiding additional complex monitoring systems, as the ring network's existing mechanisms are leveraged for fault management.
Data Source
AI summary
A first fault monitoring unit monitors presence/absence of fault on a communication path between bridge ports, and a second fault monitoring unit monitors presence/absence of fault on a communication path via a ring network between upper link ports. A third fault monitoring unit monitors presence/absence of fault at a MCLAG port. When a monitoring result by the third fault monitoring unit changes from absence of fault to presence of fault, a MCLAG control unit transmits a fault notification frame. At this time, when a monitoring result by the first fault monitoring unit is absence of fault, the MCLAG control unit transmits the fault notification frame from the bridge port, and when the monitoring result by the first fault monitoring unit is presence of fault and a monitoring result by the second fault monitoring unit is absence of fault, it transmits the fault notification frame from the upper link port.