Automatic Ring Identification and Configuration Protocol
Solution Overview
Problem
The re-learning of paths in computer networks following link failures is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in networks with many nodes and VLANs, due to the manual configuration of Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) protocols, which becomes burdensome and increases the likelihood of misconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
The Multiple Ring Identification and Configuration Protocol (MRICP) automatically identifies and configures logical rings within a network topology, allowing for the automatic assignment of ring identifiers and ERP configuration, limiting path re-learning to affected rings, thus reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing network disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of ERP protocol is used, then network reliability is improved through proper ring protection setup, but configuration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting rings in the network topology and configuring ERP protocol parameters without human intervention. The controller autonomously identifies ring structures, selects protection links, and applies configuration settings, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the configuration approach from manual parameter setting to automatic parameter derivation. The controller dynamically determines ring identification, protection link selection, and configuration parameters based on detected network topology and ring characteristics, allowing adaptive configuration that responds to network changes.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual ring identification is performed, then configuration accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical identification processes with automated computational algorithms. The controller uses network topology data and ring detection algorithms to automatically identify ring structures, select protection links, and configure parameters, eliminating manual operations while maintaining or improving configuration accuracy through systematic computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors network topology changes and adjusts ring identification and configuration accordingly. This feedback loop ensures configuration accuracy by adapting to network changes and verifying that detected rings and selected protection links remain valid under current network conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent manual re-configuration is performed, then network adaptability to changes is improved, but time loss and productivity reduction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic configuration capabilities where the system automatically detects and adapts to network topology changes in real-time. When VLAN port membership changes or network reconfiguration occurs, the controller dynamically identifies affected rings and updates ERP configurations automatically, maintaining network adaptability without requiring manual intervention and thus preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration setup and maintains ready-state configurations that can be rapidly applied when changes occur. By pre-establishing configuration frameworks and maintaining current topology knowledge, the system can quickly adapt to network changes through automated reconfiguration, reducing the time required for responsiveness to topology changes.
4Reliability
If manual analysis of VLAN topology changes is performed, then configuration correctness is improved, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a virtual copy or representation of the network topology stored in the controller's database. This topological model serves as a working copy that the controller analyzes to automatically detect ring structures and configuration requirements. By operating on this copied representation rather than manually analyzing actual network data, the system achieves configuration correctness through systematic analysis while significantly reducing time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A protocol identifies and configures rings in a network topology automatically in order to simplify and quicken the actions that need to be performed in response to addition, deletion and shuffle of network nodes in that topology. Such rings do not need to be identified and configured manually. The protocol involves two separate sequentially performed phases. In the first phase, the protocol can automatically identify all rings that are present within a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) topology. In the second phase, the protocol can automatically configure each node of each such ring in conformity with the Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) protocol. After this ERP configuration has been performed, the failure of a link within the network will not require every network node to re-learn paths through the network; instead, the nodes that are required to re-learn such paths can be limited to those within the particular ring that contained the failed link.