Topology Specification via Route Overlap Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining network topology in Local Area Networks (LANs) with inexpensive switches lacking management functions are inefficient, as they cannot utilize standard topology specification functions, leading to difficulties in specifying network connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine network topology by selecting routes between terminals and analyzing overlaps, using a tree-type network topology, without requiring special topology specification functions on switches, by controlling frame transfers and determining overlap based on reception terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional topology specification methods (collecting connection data from switches or using IEEE802.1ag) are used, then topology can be specified accurately, but switches must have management functions which increases device cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces measurement frames as an intermediary mechanism to detect topology without requiring switches to have management functions. The measurement frames are transmitted between terminals and switches, and the switches simply forward them based on MAC address tables, while the terminals analyze the frames to determine topology relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminals themselves perform the topology specification by analyzing measurement frames, eliminating the need for switches to provide management functions. Each terminal independently determines its relationship with other terminals by examining the switching devices that handled its transmitted measurement frames.
2Measurement precision
If topology specification functions are provided for each terminal, then topology can be specified, but network cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement frame serves multiple functions: it carries source and destination MAC addresses for routing analysis, acts as a probe for topology detection, and enables terminals to determine their relationships with other terminals. This single frame structure provides universal functionality for topology specification across the network.
3Device complexity
If inexpensive switches without management functions are used, then network cost is reduced, but topology specification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for complex switch management functions with a simpler frame-based measurement approach. Instead of requiring switches to actively participate in topology specification through management protocols, the system uses measurement frames that switches simply forward based on their existing MAC address table lookup functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A topology specifying apparatus 10 according to this invention includes, in a network having a tree type network topology, a route overlap determining section 4 configured to determine existence or non-existence of an overlap between a first route to a terminal having an unknown connection node and a second route between terminals having known connection nodes; and a topology specifying section 5 configured to determine a network topology based on the existence or non-existence of the overlap of the first route and the second route.