VRRP BFD Tracking for Fast Link Failure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for detecting link failures in high-speed computing networks, such as VCCV and VRRP, are not quick enough to prevent data loss by continuing to send packets over a down data link, leading to packet drops.

Innovation Solution

A network system employing a VRRP tracking mechanism and BFD sessions between a host and a group of routers, where the failure of a BFD session triggers a priority reduction in the master router, activating a backup router to take over routing tasks until the BFD session is reestablished.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detection methods such as VCCV or VRRP are used to detect link failures, then network reliability is improved, but the detection speed is too slow to prevent packet loss on down links

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines VRRP tracking mechanism with BFD sessions to create a hybrid detection system. The VRRP router monitors BFD session status and integrates this information with VRRP priority management, merging the advantages of both protocols to achieve both high reliability and fast detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The VRRP router performs multiple functions: it acts as a backup router for redundancy while simultaneously monitoring BFD session status for fast failure detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain both reliability through VRRP backup and fast detection through BFD integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If data packets continue to be sent over a data link after link failure, then network simplicity is maintained, but data loss occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork simplicityVSAvoiddata loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback through BFD sessions that continuously monitor link status and provide real-time information to the VRRP router. When link failure is detected, the feedback triggers priority reduction and activates the backup router, preventing data loss without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7990852B1Methods and apparatus for improving network communication using BFD and VRRP tracking system

Publication Date: 2011.08.02 TELLABS OPERATIONS

AI summary

An apparatus and method of a network system between a host and a group of routers using virtual router redundancy protocol (“VRRP”) messages and bidirectional forwarding detection (“BFD”) sessions are disclosed. The network system is capable of facilitating a first communication between a host and a master router of multiple VRRP routers and establishing a BFD session between the host and the master router. When the BFD session fails, the priority of the master router is subsequently lowered and a backup router is activated. In one embodiment, the backup router capable of performing functions of the master router becomes a new master until the BFD session resumes.