Ring Network Segmentation Detection via Redundancy Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ring network topologies are vulnerable to multiple physical faults, leading to segmentation and network unreachability, with existing solutions struggling to automatically detect segmentation and prevent data loops in Ethernet networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting network segmentation and re-establishing connections via additional, independent media connections to reconnect separated network segments, using redundancy managers and clients to manage test frames and control data paths, ensuring deterministic failover and avoiding data loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical ring topology is used with standard redundancy protocols, then single fault tolerance is achieved, but the network remains vulnerable to segmentation from multiple faults
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into functional segments: a primary ring topology for normal operation and a separate redundancy manager with independent test telegram capability. The redundancy manager segments the fault detection function from the data transmission function, allowing it to independently monitor ring integrity and trigger appropriate responses without being overwhelmed by multiple simultaneous faults in the data path.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundancy manager acts as an intermediary between the ring topology and the fault response mechanism. It receives test telegrams, detects segmentation conditions, and generates disconnection commands to prevent data loops. This intermediary layer isolates the complex fault management logic from the simple ring structure, enabling multiple fault tolerance without complicating the basic topology.
2Reliability
If additional connections are added to handle segmentation, then network reliability improves, but the risk of data loops increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously sending test telegrams around the ring before actual data transmission is affected. The redundancy manager proactively detects segmentation conditions and issues disconnection commands in advance, preventing the formation of data loops. This preliminary detection and response mechanism ensures that additional connections are only activated when safe to do so.
Solution Approach 2:
The test telegram mechanism provides continuous feedback about ring integrity. When test telegrams fail to return or are delayed beyond expected thresholds, the redundancy manager receives feedback indicating segmentation and responds by disconnecting appropriate ports. This feedback loop ensures that connectivity is restored only when the ring integrity is confirmed, preventing data loops while maximizing network availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves operating the network infrastructure devices within the network. One of the network infrastructure devices is operated as redundancy manager and is operated in an error trap. The command is detected whether the segment of the network is separated from the residual network, if the ring network is detected between the network infrastructure device of the separated segment and the network infrastructure device, particularly the redundancy manager.