Router Master Backup Status Change via Switch Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network systems face inefficiencies in handling switch or link failures, leading to adverse traffic patterns and increased bandwidth consumption due to the lack of timely redundant router master/backup status changes in response to connectivity changes.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method that monitors network connectivity, detects failures, and dynamically changes the redundant router master/backup status of both routers to optimize traffic flow and reduce bandwidth consumption by redirecting traffic efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the master/backup status change is triggered only by router failure detection, then the system maintains simplicity in failure detection mechanism, but traffic suboptimality and bandwidth waste occur due to delayed status change response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges router failure detection with switch connectivity monitoring into a unified failure detection mechanism. The VRRP master/backup status change is triggered not only by router failure but also by switch connectivity failures, combining multiple failure modes into a single responsive system that optimizes traffic flow without requiring separate complex detection mechanisms for each failure type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary connectivity monitoring of switches by the VRRP master router before actual failures impact traffic flow. By continuously monitoring switch connectivity and proactively triggering master/backup status changes when connectivity is lost, the system prevents traffic suboptimality before it occurs, rather than reacting after router failure is detected.
2Reliability
If the VRRP master router continuously monitors all switches in the Ethernet ring, then comprehensive failure detection is achieved, but bandwidth consumption on inter-router links increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having the VRRP master router monitor only the connectivity to switches that are directly relevant to traffic flow optimization, rather than continuously monitoring all switches in the ring. The monitoring is targeted and localized to specific switch-connectivity relationships that would impact routing decisions, reducing unnecessary bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable failure detection for critical paths.
3Productivity
If master/backup status changes occur frequently in response to transient failures, then traffic optimization is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to excessive status fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a debounce mechanism that cushions against transient failures by requiring a failure condition to persist for a predetermined time threshold before triggering a master/backup status change. This beforehand cushioning prevents excessive status fluctuations caused by transient or temporary connectivity issues, maintaining system stability while still enabling responsive traffic optimization for genuine persistent failures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods according to the exemplary embodiments enable improved switch or link failure handling. A redundant router master/backup status change may be triggered based on switch connectivity. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes monitoring a connectivity of a network, detecting a failure, and based on the detected failure, changing the redundant router master/backup status of both a first router and at least a second of router.