Virtual Network Element Interconnection Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networks with changing topologies require frequent reconfiguration of packet routes due to new nodes joining or old nodes being taken offline, necessitating dynamic adjustment of interconnections between network elements while disregarding irrelevant network events.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for connecting multiple networks through virtual network elements that detect and respond to network events on specific interconnection links, adjusting the interconnection between networks while ignoring events on unrelated links, utilizing a ring network protocol and network topology protocols like ITU-T G.8032 Ethernet Ring Protection (ERP) and spanning tree protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network dynamically reconfigures packet routes in response to topology changes, then network adaptability improves, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into virtual networks and logical domains, allowing independent reconfiguration of packet routes within each segment. This enables adaptability to topology changes while containing complexity within manageable segments rather than requiring global reconfiguration of the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic route reconfiguration mechanisms that automatically adjust packet paths in response to topology changes such as node failures or new connections. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to maintain connectivity and performance without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated control.
2Reliability
If the network monitors all network events for reconfiguration decisions, then network reliability improves, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and filters network events to identify only those relevant to interconnection link status. By taking out only the critical events that affect packet routing decisions and ignoring unrelated events, the system maintains high reliability in route selection while reducing processing overhead and energy consumption associated with monitoring all network events.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring and event processing is localized to interconnection links between virtual networks, rather than uniformly applying to all network links. This local quality approach ensures that reliability is maintained for critical inter-network communications while reducing processing overhead by not monitoring or reacting to events on unrelated links within the same virtual network.
3Reliability
If multiple network links are established for redundancy, then network reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual network elements act as intermediaries that manage multiple physical network links. These intermediaries abstract the complexity of link management, allowing multiple redundant links to be established and maintained while presenting a simplified interface for route selection. The intermediary handles the complexity of monitoring and switching between links, reducing the perceived complexity for the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual copies of network elements and logical representations of physical links to manage redundancy. By creating virtual network structures that mirror physical topology, the system can manage multiple redundant links through simplified virtual models, reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of physical redundancy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting a plurality of networks. The method may include establishing a first network link between a first network element and a second network element. The first network link may implement an interconnection between a first network and a second network. The method may include establishing a second network link between the first network element and a third network element. The first network element, the second network element, and the third network element may be located on a virtual network. The method may include detecting, over the virtual network, a first network event regarding the first network link. The method may include, in response to detecting the first network event, adjusting the interconnection between the first network and the second network. The method may include disregarding a second network event regarding the second network link.