RSTP MRP Parallel Operation Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet network protocols, such as RSTP and MRP, operate independently and cannot cooperate seamlessly, leading to issues like loop formation and administrative blockages when used together, limiting their parallel operation and network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where control over data ports is assigned or parameters are selected to allow parallel operation of RSTP and MRP protocols, ensuring that one protocol does not block connections considered active by the other, enabling stable and loop-free operation by configuring RSTP to operate without control over ring ports and using a virtual root bridge for network structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RSTP and MRP protocols operate independently without coordination, then each protocol can function with its own control mechanism, but loop formation and administrative blockages occur when used together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between RSTP and MRP protocols. This mediator manages port control rights and exchanges protocol messages to prevent conflicts, ensuring that when one protocol blocks a port, the other protocol is notified and does not attempt contradictory actions, thereby preventing loop formation and administrative blockages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the previously independent RSTP and MRP protocols into a coordinated system where both protocols operate simultaneously with shared awareness. The coordination mechanism combines their control functions, allowing them to work together as a unified system rather than separate independent protocols, eliminating the harmful effects of their independent operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If control over data ports is shared between multiple redundancy protocols, then network connectivity and redundancy are improved, but protocol conflicts and instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where port management rights are not statically assigned but dynamically transferred between protocols based on current network conditions. The coordination mechanism allows protocols to negotiate and switch control rights in real-time, enabling adaptive response to topology changes while maintaining stability through structured handover procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of RSTP and MRP by introducing coordination messages and control right indicators. These parameter changes allow protocols to adjust their behavior based on the presence and state of other protocols, transforming them from independent rigid systems to flexible coordinated systems that maintain stability while providing enhanced connectivity
3Reliability
If one protocol blocks ports to prevent loops, then loop prevention is achieved, but network connectivity and redundancy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial blocking where protocols block only the specific ports necessary for loop prevention rather than broadly blocking ports. The coordination mechanism enables selective port management where each protocol blocks minimal ports required for its loop prevention strategy, allowing other ports to remain open for connectivity, thus achieving loop prevention with reduced impact on network productivity
Data Source
AI summary
At least two different redundancy protocols are operated in parallel by network devices in an Ethernet network. Control is determined and assigned to one of two protocols to have total control over which ports in the network devices are active and which are blocked for transmission of user data and network data network traffic while allowing all control and monitor traffic to traverse the ring of network devices. Control and monitoring packets are transmitted by RSTP packets through all of the network devices in the ring while restricting the data ports of the network devices to transmit user data and data network traffic to the network devices connected in the line of the network devices. Parameters received in RSTP packets are collected from all of the network devices in the ring in order to determine which network device of the network devices is a virtual root bridge.