Ring Network VLAN Mapping with ELPS Groups for Resilient Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network operators face issues with flooding, isolation of impact, and latency in ring topologies using Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS), which is more oriented towards MAC switching than VLAN switching.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Ethernet Linear Protection Switching (ELPS) protocol in a Ring Network Topology (RNT) with concentric rings of ELPS connections, each node terminating a different ELPS group on its own VLAN, allowing rapid protection switching between active and standby paths, and using Maintenance End Points (MEPs) for fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ERPS protocol is used for resilience in ring architecture, then network resiliency is improved, but flooding and isolation of impact occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ring network into multiple ELPS groups, each terminated at different Ethernet nodes. Each ELPS group operates independently with its own protection path, preventing flooding across the entire network. When a failure occurs in one ELPS group, only that specific segment is isolated, not the entire ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces VLAN subnetworks as intermediaries between ELPS groups and the core router network. Each ELPS group is mapped to a specific VLAN subnetwork, which acts as a mediator to control traffic flow and prevent harmful flooding effects from propagating between different ELPS groups.
2Reliability
If ERPS protocol is used for resilience in ring architecture, then network resiliency is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple ELPS groups with dedicated protection paths before failures occur. Each ELPS group has its protection path ready in advance, so when a failure happens, traffic can be switched to the pre-prepared protection path without waiting for path discovery or configuration, significantly reducing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic path switching within ELPS groups based on real-time failure detection. When a link fails, the system dynamically switches traffic from the working path to the protection path for the specific ELPS group, optimizing the balance between resiliency and latency without the rigid limitations of traditional ERPS.
3Device complexity
If traditional ring topology is used, then physical connections to core router network are minimized, but fault detection and switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments fault detection into per-ELPS-group basis, with each ELPS group having its own Maintenance End Points (MEPs) that independently monitor for failures. This segmentation simplifies fault detection by localizing it to specific groups rather than requiring complex network-wide monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through MEPs that continuously monitor the status of each ELPS group and trigger protection switching when failures are detected. This automated feedback loop simplifies fault detection and switching by eliminating manual intervention and complex monitoring procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for communication resilience in a Ring Network Topology. In some aspects, a top Ethernet node, implemented in a Ring Network Topology (“RNT”) that includes multiple additional Ethernet nodes, receives downstream traffic having a virtual local area network (“VLAN”) service address. The top Ethernet node can determine that the downstream traffic is destined for a given device serviced by a given Ethernet node, from among the multiple additional Ethernet nodes, that terminates a given Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (“ELPS”) group. The top Ethernet node can determine a given VLAN subnetwork that has been mapped to the given ELPS group, and transmit the downstream traffic through the RNT using the given VLAN subnetwork.