Virtual Concatenation Sequence Mismatch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to accurately and efficiently detect sequence mismatch defects in virtual concatenation groups, compromising the integrity of SONET and SDH transport networks.

Innovation Solution

A method that compares current sequence numbers against previously obtained sequence numbers to identify and mark sequence mismatch defects, allowing for dynamic identification and updating of expected sequence numbers in VCAT receivers, eliminating the need for pre-stored expected sequence numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If expected sequence numbers are pre-stored in a static VCAT receiver, then sequence mismatch detection can be performed, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequence mismatch detection capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static VCAT receiver into a dynamic one by implementing real-time updates of expected sequence numbers based on received sequence numbers from the VCAT group. The receiver continuously polls and updates its expected sequence number table during operation, eliminating the need for manual pre-configuration and making the system adaptable to changing network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic VCAT receiver performs self-configuration by automatically updating its expected sequence numbers based on the sequence numbers it receives from the network. The system uses its own received data to populate and update its internal state, eliminating the need for external manual configuration and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If received sequence numbers are used as expected sequence numbers in a dynamic VCAT receiver, then configuration time is reduced, but accuracy of sequence mismatch detection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration timeVSAvoidsequence mismatch detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements validation checks before using received sequence numbers as expected sequence numbers. The system verifies that received sequence numbers are within the valid range (0 to N-1) and are not duplicates before accepting them into the expected sequence number table. This preliminary validation ensures that only valid sequence numbers are used, maintaining detection accuracy while enabling dynamic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where received sequence numbers are validated and then used to update the expected sequence numbers. The validation process provides feedback on whether received sequence numbers are acceptable, and only validated sequence numbers are used to update the expected values, ensuring continuous accurate detection while maintaining dynamic adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If invalid sequence numbers are accepted as expected sequence numbers, then the system remains flexible and dynamic, but the integrity of the VCAT group is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic sequence number acceptanceVSAvoidVCAT group integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary validation checks that verify received sequence numbers are within the valid range (0 to N-1) and are not duplicates before accepting them. This pre-acceptance validation prevents invalid sequence numbers from compromising VCAT group integrity while still allowing the system to dynamically adapt to valid sequence number changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares protective measures in advance by implementing validation logic that prevents invalid sequence numbers from being accepted. The validation checks act as a cushion against potential integrity violations, ensuring that only valid sequence numbers can update the expected sequence number table, thus protecting the VCAT group from corruption while maintaining dynamic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP1908199B1Virtual concatenation sequence mismatch defect detection
Publication Date: 2016.02.03 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP1908199B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP1908199B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1908199B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for identifying sequence mismatch defects associated with members of a virtual concatenation (VCAT) group are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting sequence mismatch defects associated with a VCAT group that substantially terminates at a VCAT sink includes obtaining a first set of sequence numbers associated with the VCAT group at a first time, and determining whether a first sequence number of the first set is invalid. The method also includes identifying the first sequence number as having a sequence mismatch defect if the first sequence number is determined to be invalid.