Transparent Auto-Recovery in Ring Networks via Local Multicast Rerouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network fault recovery methods, such as Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Hirschmann™ HIPER-Ring™, require network reconfiguration and communication between devices, leading to delays and resource inefficiencies in rerouting data traffic during link failures in ring and chain networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a ring topology with edge switches that multicast data packets from two ports, allowing automatic rerouting without system reconfiguration or message exchange between nodes, ensuring transparent and instantaneous fault recovery by utilizing redundant links and ports for data redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current fault recovery methods (RSTP, HIPER-Ring) are used to reroute data traffic during link failures, then network redundancy is provided, but network reconfiguration and device communication are required causing delays and resource inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures backup paths and establishes monitoring mechanisms before failures occur. Network devices continuously monitor link status and have predetermined alternative routes ready, eliminating the need for real-time path calculation and device communication during failures, thus achieving instantaneous recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The network is divided into independent monitoring and data transmission segments. Monitoring functions are distributed to individual devices that independently detect failures and execute local rerouting decisions, avoiding centralized control bottlenecks and reducing coordination overhead between devices
2Reliability
If current fault recovery methods are used, then backup paths are established, but network devices must analyze or discover the entire network adding time and computing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex network discovery and analysis functions from individual devices. Instead of each device needing to understand the entire network topology, devices only need to monitor their local links and follow pre-determined rerouting rules, significantly reducing computational requirements and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Network topology analysis and backup path determination are performed in advance during network configuration. This preliminary action creates simplified local decision-making rules at each device, eliminating the need for real-time network-wide analysis when failures occur
3Reliability
If current fault recovery methods are used, then redundancy is provided, but communication between network devices is required which adds processing time
Solution Approach 1:
Each network device is equipped with local monitoring and control capabilities to independently detect failures and execute rerouting decisions without requiring communication with other devices. This self-service approach eliminates inter-device communication delays and allows instantaneous local response to failures
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein provides a system and method for fault isolation and auto-recovery in chained loop or ring networking systems (103). According to aspects of the method and the associated path-selection algorithms described, fault isolation and auto-recovery operations can be handled locally on each node on a loop and the overall fault recovery time under a link failure condition can be minimized. In addition, the method allows for auto-recovery operations that are transparent to the rest of network and to remote hosts.