Virtual Circuit Setup with Unified Backup Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packet switching networks, particularly those using MPLS, face inefficiencies in handling non-IP protocol data packets and incur resource wastage and prolonged restoration times due to the need for separate virtual circuit setups and resource reservation for backup circuits.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a single establishment request message configures both the main and backup virtual circuits, sharing network resources and optimizing bandwidth usage, with failover mechanisms embedded in switch equipment to swiftly reroute data flows upon failure, reducing restoration time and resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate virtual circuits are established for main and backup paths, then service continuity is ensured, but network resource consumption increases and restoration time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the establishment of main and backup virtual circuits into a single unified process. A single setup request message triggers the creation of both virtual circuits simultaneously, allowing them to share common network resources such as bandwidth and processing capacity while maintaining independent failover capability. This merging approach reduces redundant resource reservation and lowers overall network resource consumption compared to establishing separate circuits independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup virtual circuit is established in advance alongside the main virtual circuit during the initial setup phase, rather than being created reactively when failure occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the backup path is already configured and ready for immediate activation, reducing restoration time while allowing both circuits to share network resources efficiently from the outset.
2Reliability
If separate virtual circuits are established for main and backup paths, then service continuity is ensured, but restoration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup virtual circuit is established in advance during the initial setup phase, so that when failure occurs, the switch equipment can immediately activate the pre-configured backup circuit without waiting for setup procedures. This preliminary establishment of both main and backup circuits eliminates the time delay associated with creating backup paths reactively, significantly reducing restoration time while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the establishment process of main and backup virtual circuits into a single unified operation triggered by one setup request message, the patent ensures both circuits are ready simultaneously. This combined approach allows the switch equipment to have both paths pre-configured and available for immediate failover, reducing restoration time compared to sequential or reactive backup circuit creation.
3Productivity
If MPLS protocol is used for packet routing, then routing efficiency is improved, but compatibility with non-IP protocols is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtual circuit framework that can carry multiple protocol types over a single MPLS infrastructure. The virtual circuit mechanism acts as an adapter layer that enables non-IP protocols to traverse the MPLS network by encapsulating or mapping them into the MPLS forwarding structure. This multi-functional approach allows the network to maintain high routing efficiency through MPLS label switching while simultaneously supporting diverse protocol compatibility including non-IP protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of setting up a first virtual circuit between a first input terminal apparatus and an output terminal apparatus, implemented by the first input terminal apparatus, comprising a step of sending a first message requesting the setting up of the first virtual circuit to a switch apparatus, the first virtual circuit to be set up consisting of a first link between the first input terminal apparatus and the switch apparatus and of a second link between the switch apparatus and the output terminal apparatus. In such a method, the first message requesting setup furthermore comprises a request to set up at least one backup virtual circuit consisting of the second link and of a third link to be set up between the switch apparatus and a second input terminal apparatus.