Routing Apparatus Bypassing Offload Server Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems face challenges in efficiently routing data when there is a failure in the path involving an offload application server, leading to disruptions in service and potential loss of connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine if a failure has occurred in a first path with offload application server functionality and reroute data through a second path that bypasses the offload server functionality, using bidirectional forwarding detection protocols to manage routing and update tables accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is routed through the offload application server functionality, then service efficiency and local breakout performance are improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple routing paths (direct path through offload server and alternative path through core network) into a unified routing system that can dynamically select between them. The router integrates both paths and uses detection mechanisms to switch between them based on server availability, thus merging the benefits of both local breakout efficiency and core network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring alternative routing paths and detection mechanisms before failures occur. The bidirectional forwarding detection protocol continuously monitors server status, and routing tables are pre-prepared with alternative paths, so that when a failure occurs, the system can immediately switch without service interruption.
2Device complexity
If a single routing path is used for offload traffic, then routing simplicity is improved, but service continuity deteriorates when path failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing where the system can adapt its path selection based on real-time server status. The router dynamically switches between static routing (when server is available) and dynamic routing through core network (when server fails), making the routing behavior flexible and adaptive to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses bidirectional forwarding detection protocol as a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the health of the offload server path. This feedback information is used by the router to determine whether to continue using the direct offload path or switch to the alternative core network path, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If offload server functionality is deployed, then local breakout capability is improved, but vulnerability to single point of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (bidirectional forwarding detection protocol) that acts as a mediator between the offload server and the routing decision. This intermediary monitors server health and communicates status to the router, allowing the system to protect against server failures while maintaining local breakout capability when the server is healthy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises determining if a failure has occurred in a first path, an offload application server functionality being provided in said first path and if so, causing routing of said data via a second different path which bypasses said offload server functionality.