VRRP Backup Router Identification via Query Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VRRP implementations do not provide a straightforward method for determining which routers are configured as backup routers for a given VRRP master router, making it difficult for system administrators to identify backup routers, especially in networks with multiple routers.
Innovation Solution
Introducing new VRRP message types, such as the VRRP query and response messages, allows routers to be queried on the network to determine which routers are acting as backup routers for a specific virtual IP address associated with a VRRP master, enabling quick identification of backup routers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If VRRP protocol is used for router redundancy without dynamic routing protocols, then network stability and simplicity are improved, but the ability to identify backup routers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having backup routers send their identities to the master router in advance, before any failover event occurs. This allows the master router to maintain an updated list of backup router identities without requiring active querying or complex discovery protocols, thus resolving the identification problem while maintaining protocol simplicity.
2Reliability
If multiple backup routers are configured for load sharing, then network reliability is improved, but administrative complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the master router actively query backup routers to obtain and update their identities. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual tracking of backup router configurations, reducing administrative complexity while supporting multiple backup routers for load sharing and enhanced reliability.
3Reliability
If VRRP advertisements are sent periodically, then master router availability is detected, but network traffic overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backup router identification function from the periodic VRRP advertisement mechanism. Instead of embedding identification information in every advertisement packet, the system separates this function by having backups send their identities independently through dedicated query-response interactions, reducing the traffic overhead of regular advertisements while maintaining reliable availability detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for learning the identity of VRRP backup router(s) for a VRRP master router enables the identity of VRRP backup routers to be determined quickly on demand, or enables a table of VRRP master and backup routers to be established over time. A VRRP query message type is defined as a type of VRRP message that will enable the routers on the network to be queried to determine which router(s) are VRRP backup routers for a virtual IP address associated with a VRRP master. The VRRP query message may be initiated by the VRRP master, a network management system, or another entity. The VRRP backup routers may respond with a VRRP response message, which is also defined as a type of VRRP message. The VRRP response message may be unicast to the VRRP master or network management system, or broadcast to enable a table of VRRP master/backup routers to be created.