Ring Node Direction Indication for Mobile Backhaul Failure Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ring topologies in Mobile Backhaul (MBH) networks face challenges with loop detection and failure handling, leading to slow failure detection and increased administrative effort due to the need for multiple MPLS labels, which limits network size and capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where each ring node adds a direction indication to data packets, allowing them to be forwarded clockwise or counter-clockwise through the network, enabling load balancing and efficient rerouting during topology changes, and a central control entity manages ring lifetime to prevent packet circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple MPLS labels are used for failure handling in ring topologies, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and network size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the direction indication from the MPLS label structure, using a separate dedicated field (such as VLAN PCP bits or a specific label field) to carry direction information. This separation allows the MPLS label to maintain its core routing function while the direction field handles ring topology navigation, reducing the complexity of label management and administrative overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing network infrastructure multi-functional by enabling standard ring nodes and switches to handle direction-indicated packets without requiring specialized hardware or software. The direction indication mechanism works with existing MPLS, VLAN, and Ethernet infrastructure, allowing universal deployment across diverse network equipment while maintaining reliability through enhanced failure handling capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple MPLS labels are used for failure handling, then reliability is improved, but the number of labels required increases network complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the direction indication with existing packet header structures such as VLAN tags or MPLS labels, rather than requiring separate dedicated signaling. By combining multiple functions (routing, VLAN identification, and direction indication) into unified header fields, the patent reduces the total number of labels needed while maintaining reliable failure handling through the direction information.
3Reliability
If loop detection mechanisms are implemented, then reliability is improved, but failure detection speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring direction indications for all possible failure scenarios during normal operation. When a failure occurs, the direction indication already embedded in the packet headers enables immediate rerouting without requiring real-time loop detection or complex control plane signaling, thus achieving fast failure detection while maintaining reliability through pre-planned protection paths.
4Productivity
If direction indication is added to data packets, then network capacity is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling ring nodes to automatically process direction-indicated packets using simple forwarding rules based on the direction field. The nodes do not require complex control plane logic or centralized coordination; instead, they autonomously forward packets according to the pre-configured direction indications, optimizing network capacity while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for handling, by a ring node (11-14) of a network having a ring topology, a data transfer of data packets (70) through the network via which the data packets (70) are transmitted to their destination node, wherein each ring node has two neighbouring ring nodes. The method comprises the steps of detecting data packets of an incoming data transfer received from a non ring node to be transmitted through the network to their destination node. Furthermore, a ring direction (72, 73) is added to the data packets of the incoming data transfer, the indication(72, 73) indicating in which direction the data packets (70) of the incoming data transfer are passed through the network having the ring topology. The data packets (70) of the incoming data transfer are forwarded to one of the two neighbouring ring nodes based on the added indication(72, 73).