Automated TDM Backup via IP Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backup solutions for TDM networks, such as satellite or wireless IP connections, are not effectively geared to support transmission protocols and systems used in primary backhaul links, and lack automated backup capabilities for multiple backhaul links, leading to disruptions in critical communication services during outages.
Innovation Solution
An automated backup system that monitors primary TDM links for failures and switches to a backup IP or satellite-based network, redirecting telecommunications traffic, compressing data as needed, and using control channels for management, while also reestablishing the primary link upon restoration, ensuring continuous service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If satellite or wireless IP connections are used for backup, then deployment ease and cost are improved, but compatibility with TDM transmission protocols and systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that acts as a protocol translator between the TDM network and IP-based satellite/wireless backup connections. This intermediary converts TDM signals to IP packets for transmission over the backup network, enabling compatibility between incompatible protocols while maintaining ease of deployment with satellite/IP infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes protocol parameters by converting TDM frame structures into IP packet formats, adapting transmission characteristics to match the backup network's requirements while preserving the original TDM service functionality through protocol transformation
2Reliability
If automated backup switching is implemented, then service continuity during outages is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring backup paths and automatically detecting link failures before complete service disruption occurs. The automated switching mechanism is prepared in advance and activates immediately upon detecting TDM link failures, ensuring service continuity without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the status of primary TDM links and automatically switches to backup IP/satellite connections when failures are detected. The system receives feedback about link status and dynamically adjusts routing decisions to maintain service continuity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TDM backhaul links are backed up simultaneously, then service coverage is improved, but cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal backup system where a single IP-based satellite network infrastructure can serve multiple TDM backhaul links simultaneously. The system consolidates backup resources by routing traffic from multiple failed TDM links through shared IP and satellite resources, reducing overall resource requirements while maintaining broad service coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple backup streams by consolidating traffic from multiple TDM links into shared IP network and satellite resources. Instead of dedicating separate backup infrastructure to each TDM link, the system combines backup traffic flows and utilizes common resources efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
An automated telecommunications backup system includes a first system operable to monitor a primary time division multiplexing (TDM) link on a TDM network for a failure condition and a second system operable to back up at least a portion of the telecommunications traffic of the TDM link over a backup network. The backup network may be a packet based network, an Internet protocol (IP) based network, a satellite based network, or an IP based system over a satellite network. The first system may continuously monitor the primary TDM link and switch the functionality thereof into circuit with the TDM link upon the detection of the failure condition. The second system may compress the telecommunications traffic of the TDM link to transmit a pre-designated number of time slots thereof.