Interlink Node Virtualization for RPR Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems, such as those using Link Aggregation (LAG), face challenges in maintaining high reliability when a node at one end of a link fails, leading to communication interruptions and congestion issues due to the limited virtualization of physical ports to a single node.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where multiple networks are connected through first nodes assigned a common virtual address, with second nodes managing relationships between physical and virtual addresses, and using a frame generator and switch processing unit to route frames through multiple links, ensuring communication continuity even if a node fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Link Aggregation (LAG) is used to virtualize multiple physical ports as a single logical port, then the communication band is increased and reliability is improved, but the system can only virtualize ports belonging to a single node, limiting its ability to provide backup when a node fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple first nodes (800, 810, 820) into a single logical entity by assigning them a common virtual address (8A). This allows the second node (900) to treat multiple physical nodes as one logical destination, enabling both load distribution and automatic backup when a node fails, thus resolving the limitation of traditional LAG that could only virtualize ports within a single node
Solution Approach 2:
The first nodes (800, 810, 820) are configured with dual functionality: they can operate as individual physical nodes for direct communication, and simultaneously as part of a grouped logical entity via the common virtual address for load distribution and backup purposes. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different communication scenarios and provide reliability against both link and node failures
2Ease of operation
If traffic is transmitted through a single active node, then the system is simple to operate, but congestion occurs and reliability decreases when that node fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic distribution where the second node (900) can flexibly select among multiple first nodes (800, 810, 820) based on their current status. The system automatically adapts to node failures by redirecting traffic to remaining operational nodes, maintaining both ease of operation and high reliability without requiring complex manual configuration
3Productivity
If multiple physical links are used to connect networks, then the communication band increases, but congestion occurs when traffic concentrates on specific links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic flow by distributing it across multiple first nodes (800, 810, 820) that share a common virtual address. Each node handles a portion of the total traffic, preventing concentration on any single link or node. The second node (900) can further control distribution by selectively transmitting to specific nodes based on current load conditions, thus maintaining high communication bandwidth while avoiding congestion
Data Source
AI summary
In the case where a terminal under an RPR node (240) which does not belong to an interlink connection node group in an RPR network (20) transmits an Ethernet frame to a terminal under an RPR node of other RPR network (10), the RPR node (240) transmits an RPR frame in which the Ethernet frame is contained to any of interlink connection nodes (200, 230, and 270) in the same network. The interlink connection node which receives the RPR frame extracts the Ethernet frame from the RPR frame and transfers the extracted Ethernet frame to the other RPR network (10).