Virtual Concatenation Group Capacity Reduction via Inverted Member Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing the capacity of a Virtual Concatenation Group (VCG) in data communication networks require a strict sequence where uplink members must be removed before downlink members, leading to operational restrictions and potential service interruptions if mis-operated.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows for the removal of downlink members before uplink members, by sending a downlink-member removing command to the Sink, followed by failure state information, and then an uplink-member removing command to the Source, enabling flexible capacity reduction without service disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the existing method of removing uplink members before downlink members is used to reduce VCG capacity, then the service can be maintained during the process, but the operational flexibility is restricted and mis-operation may cause service interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational freedomVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sequence by allowing downlink members to be removed first, followed by uplink members. This is achieved through a four-state protocol (Idle, Do-Not-Use, Failure, Removed) that manages the transition of members in reverse order while maintaining service continuity through LCAS negotiation and dynamic bandwidth adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic state transitions and real-time monitoring mechanisms that adapt the member removal process based on current network conditions. The LCAS protocol enables dynamic bandwidth adjustment during the removal process, and the system continuously negotiates capacity changes to maintain service quality throughout the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If downlink members are removed first to increase operational freedom, then the service may be interrupted due to mis-operation, but the operational flexibility is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesequence flexibilityVSAvoidservice stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing a complete four-state transition framework before actual member removal occurs. The system pre-defines all possible states (Idle, Do-Not-Use, Failure, Removed) and transition paths, ensuring that downlink members can be removed first while maintaining service stability through predetermined safety mechanisms and LCAS protocol negotiations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms through LCAS negotiation between source and sink devices. The system monitors the state of each member throughout the removal process and dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on real-time feedback, ensuring service stability even when downlink members are removed before uplink members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a strict sequence of removing uplink members first is enforced, then service interruption is avoided, but the operational complexity increases due to restricted procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice protectionVSAvoidoperational procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a four-state classification system (Idle, Do-Not-Use, Failure, Removed) that replaces the traditional binary removed/not-removed state. This parameter change enables flexible sequencing while maintaining service protection through structured state transitions and LCAS protocol integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal removal procedure that can handle both conventional (uplink-first) and inverted (downlink-first) sequences through the same four-state framework. The LCAS protocol and state machine architecture provide multi-functionality, supporting different removal sequences without increasing operational complexity or compromising service protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7801022B2Method for reducing capacity of virtual concatenation group and communication network thereof

Publication Date: 2010.09.21 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for reducing the capacity of a Virtual Concatenation Group (VCG) and a VCG communication network. When a network management device sends a downlink-member removing command to remove a downlink member to a Sink in the VCG, the Sink receiving the downlink-member removing command in the VCG sends, to a Source, failure state information indicating that the downlink member will be removed; the Source receiving the failure state information in the VCG sends do-not-use information to the Sink indicating that the downlink member will not be used any longer, and the Sink removes the downlink member; the network management device sends an uplink-member removing command to remove an uplink member to the Source, the Source removes the uplink member which will not be used any longer. Thus, possibility of mis-operation can be avoided fundamentally and operational freedom of an operator is enhanced.