Virtual Node Communication Switchover Preventing Packet Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face packet loss during path switchover events, such as gateway relocation or virtual machine switchover, as existing techniques do not effectively manage session termination and data forwarding, leading to incomplete data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A communication system and method that involve a first network node operating on a virtual machine, initiating a switchover of a communication session with a third network node to a second network node, and sending a control signal indicating session termination from the first virtual machine to the second virtual machine, ensuring seamless data forwarding and preventing packet loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If path switchover is performed during gateway relocation or virtual machine migration, then network resource utilization and adaptability are improved, but packet loss occurs during the transition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath switchover capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the second communication session with the target network node before terminating the first session. The control signal indicating session termination is forwarded from the first virtual machine to the second virtual machine only after the switchover is initiated, ensuring the target node is ready to receive data before the source session is closed. This prevents packet loss by preparing the replacement path in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through control signals that track the status of communication sessions during switchover. The system monitors whether the switchover is complete and uses this feedback to determine when to forward the termination control signal. This closed-loop control ensures that session termination occurs at the appropriate moment, maintaining data integrity during the transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If communication session is switched from first network node to second network node, then network flexibility and resource allocation are improved, but communication integrity deteriorates due to potential packet loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession switchover flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses control signals as intermediaries to coordinate the session switchover process. The control signal indicating session termination acts as a mediator that is transmitted through the system (from third network node to first virtual machine, then to second virtual machine) to synchronize the termination of the first session with the establishment of the second session. This intermediary mechanism ensures that both sessions are properly managed during the transition, preventing packet loss while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If virtual machine switchover is performed for network node relocation, then system adaptability and resource utilization are improved, but data forwarding completeness worsens due to session discontinuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoiddata forwarding completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that data forwarding remains uninterrupted during virtual machine switchover. The system initiates the second communication session before terminating the first, and carefully times the forwarding of the termination control signal to ensure that all data is properly forwarded through the second session before the first session is closed. This continuous action approach prevents data loss while enabling resource optimization through VM migration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3163810B1Communication switchover between virtual nodes
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 NEC CORP
  • EP3163810B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3163810B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3163810B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a communication system, when a path is switched along with communication apparatus switchover, a packet sent/received via this path may be lost. A communication apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by including: a first means capable of operating a first network node on a virtual machine; and a second means capable of forwarding a control signal for terminating communication performed via a communication session established between the first network node and a third network node, to a virtual machine operating a second network node, in response to switchover from the first network node to the second network node corresponding to the first network node.