Ring Network Topology Discovery via Neighbor Negotiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ring network technologies lack the capability for topology discovery, which is essential for accurate fault determination and blocked port designation, as neither network devices act as master nodes nor transit nodes support this functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for topology discovery in ring networks, where devices send neighbor negotiation packets, update link state information, and broadcast a link state information base to other devices, enabling each device to obtain synchronous link state information and perform topology discovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Ethernet ring is used instead of RPR, then cost is reduced and application is widespread, but topology discovery capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the topology discovery function into independent neighbor negotiation packets exchanged between adjacent devices. Each device independently performs neighbor discovery and link state information collection through bidirectional packet exchange, eliminating the need for centralized master node control while maintaining topology discovery capability in cost-effective Ethernet ring networks.
2Device complexity
If traditional master-node architecture is used, then network control is simplified, but fault determination accuracy and blocked port designation capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each network device to independently perform topology discovery and fault determination through self-service mechanisms. Each device autonomously exchanges neighbor negotiation packets, collects link state information, and determines faults based on received information, eliminating dependency on master node control while improving fault determination accuracy through distributed intelligence.
3Loss of information
If neighbor negotiation packets are exchanged between all adjacent devices, then topology discovery capability is achieved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic neighbor negotiation where devices exchange topology discovery packets at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains up-to-date topology information while significantly reducing communication overhead and energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, achieving an optimal balance between information freshness and resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for topology discovery are disclosed. Link state information of each port of each device on a ring network is confirmed through neighbor negotiation between a first device and a neighbor device, and by broadcasting a link state information base of each device to other devices on the ring network, each device on the ring network can obtain the newest and synchronous link state information of each port on the ring network, so that each network device on the ring network implements topology discovery of the ring network where the network device is located.