Routing Table Updates for Downstream Network Hop Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices experience downtime due to errors such as human error, routing loops, power outages, and network congestion, causing data packets to be transmitted over invalid routes, leading to packet loss and delays.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically updating network routing tables by detecting routing errors through data packet payloads, identifying alternative paths, and updating routing tables to reroute data packets around errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routing devices use static routing tables to forward data packets, then network device complexity is reduced, but network reliability deteriorates due to inability to adapt to downstream device errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively detecting downstream routing errors through upstream data packets before they cause packet loss. The system inspects payload data in upstream packets to identify errors in downstream devices, and preemptively updates routing tables to alternative paths before the affected route becomes invalid, thus maintaining reliability without requiring complex real-time monitoring of each downstream device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where upstream data packets carry information about downstream routing conditions. By inspecting payload data from upstream packets, the routing device receives feedback about the status of downstream devices and dynamically adjusts routing tables accordingly, enabling adaptive routing without direct communication with downstream devices
2Reliability
If routing devices proactively update routing tables to avoid packet loss, then network reliability improves, but information loss increases due to undetected routing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of routing errors by inspecting upstream data packets before packets are lost. By analyzing payload information in upstream packets, the system identifies downstream device errors early and updates routing tables proactively, preventing packet loss and the associated information loss that would occur with reactive error handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses upstream data packets as an intermediary carrier to convey information about downstream routing conditions. Instead of requiring direct monitoring of downstream devices, the system extracts routing error information from upstream packets that pass through the network, thus obtaining routing status information without direct interaction with potentially faulty downstream devices
3Reliability
If routing devices monitor downstream network conditions continuously, then network reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by utilizing existing upstream data packets that are already traversing the network to carry routing status information. Instead of consuming additional energy to generate separate monitoring signals or continuously query downstream devices, the routing device extracts necessary information from routine upstream traffic, thereby maintaining routing accuracy without proportional increases in energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes upstream data packets serve multiple functions: their primary function of carrying user data is combined with a secondary function of conveying downstream routing status information. By inspecting payload data in these multi-functional packets, the system achieves continuous routing monitoring without requiring dedicated monitoring resources, thus improving routing accuracy while minimizing additional energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A routing table of a network routing device is dynamically updated responsive to detecting a downstream error in a switch. The error can be identified by inspecting payloads appended to data packets received from downstream devices, to detect a deviation from the routing table. As a result, subsequent downstream packets use the alternative path to bypass the downstream error, until resolved.