Relay Unit Dynamic Path Selection for Loop Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay units in communication networks, such as those using spanning tree and master device-based techniques, face difficulties in flexibly changing relay routes when failures occur, especially when cascaded in multiple stages, limiting the effective use of available relay paths.
Innovation Solution
A relay unit configuration that includes main-system and sub-system lines, inter-system lines, switches, and control sections capable of storing connection information and prioritizing relay operations based on the number of connections and connection priority, allowing for flexible adjustment of relay paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spanning tree technique is used to determine a root switch and block relay at fixed positions, then frame looping is prevented, but flexibility to switch relay routes when failures occur is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic relay route selection by allowing switches to autonomously determine their roles (master or slave) and select active/stby ports based on real-time connection states rather than fixed spanning tree configurations. The control section dynamically switches between master and slave aspects and activates different relay paths depending on operational conditions, enabling flexible adaptation to failures while maintaining loop prevention.
2Reliability
If master device blocks relay using specific port when loop detected, then frame looping is prevented, but effective use of relay paths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay function into multiple independent paths with master and slave aspects. Instead of blocking a single port, the system divides relay responsibilities across multiple switches and ports, allowing frames to be routed through alternative paths (active or stby) when failures occur, thereby maintaining high relay path utilization while preventing loops through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of relay paths by dynamically adjusting which ports are active versus standby based on connection states and failure conditions. This allows the system to optimize relay path utilization by activating different paths as needed rather than permanently blocking specific ports, maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Reliability
If switches are arranged in ring shape with fixed loop blocking, then redundancy is achieved, but flexibility to change switching aspect according to number of connections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where switches can transition between master and slave aspects based on real-time connection states and failure conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the ring-shaped redundant structure to adapt its switching aspects flexibly, optimizing relay paths according to the current number of connections and failure scenarios while maintaining redundancy.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay unit includes a main-system switch and a sub-system switch that are connected to each other via an inter-system line, that are connected to a main-system line and a sub-system line, and that relays a frame; and control sections that control a relay operation of the main-system switch and the sub-system switch. The control sections store information on a number of connections of relay units and information on a connection priority, and select a control aspect of the relay operation of at least one of the main-system switch and the sub-system switch according to the number of connections and the connection priority.