Router switch fabric protection using forward error correction

Details Router switch fabric protection using forward error correction Router switch fabric protection using forward error correction

2005-05-17

2005-05-17

Sam, Phirin (Department: 2661)

Multiplex communications

Fault recovery

Bypass an inoperative switch or inoperative element of a...

C370S218000, C370S219000, C370S228000, C370S395100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06894970

ABSTRACT:
Instead of alternatively utilizing only one fabric or the other fabric of a redundant pair, both fabrics simultaneously transmit duplicate information, such that each packet forwarding module (PFM) receives the output of both fabrics simultaneously. In real time, an internal optics module (IOM) analyzes each information chunk coming out of a working zero switch fabric; simultaneously examines a parallel output of a working one duplicate switch fabric; and compares on a chunk-by-chunk basis the validity of each and every chunk from both switch fabrics. The IOM does this by examining forward error correction (FEC) check symbols encapsulated into each chunk. FEC check symbols allow correcting a predetermined number of bit errors within a chunk. If the chunk cannot be corrected, then the IOM provides indication to all PFMs downstream that the chunk is defective. Under such conditions, the PFMs select a chunk from the non-defective switch fabric. Under error-free normal conditions, however, the PFMs select a chunk arbitrarily from a default switch fabric. In this way, each chunk in real time is selected from a non-defective source and is thus guaranteed to be error free. Accordingly, if a switch fabric fails, no information chunks are lost anywhere in the system.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5222063 (1993-06-01), Foglar et al.
patent: 5278969 (1994-01-01), Pashan et al.
patent: 5724352 (1998-03-01), Cloonan et al.
patent: 5844887 (1998-12-01), Oren et al.
patent: 5909427 (1999-06-01), Manning et al.
patent: 6151318 (2000-11-01), Woodward et al.
patent: 6226261 (2001-05-01), Hurtta et al.
patent: 6259699 (2001-07-01), Opalka et al.
patent: 6411599 (2002-06-01), Blanc et al.
patent: 6473827 (2002-10-01), McMillen et al.
patent: 6535310 (2003-03-01), Rasala et al.
patent: 6574232 (2003-06-01), Honig et al.
patent: 6597826 (2003-07-01), Ramaswami et al.
patent: 6667955 (2003-12-01), Blanc et al.
patent: 1 037 492 (2000-09-01), None
patent: WO 9427391 (1994-11-01), None
Aweya, J., “On the design of IP routers Part 1: Router architectures” Journal of Systems Architecture, Jul. 19, 1999, pp. 483-511.
Dr. Bostica, B., et al. “The Role of Electric and Photonics In the Architectural Evolution of Switching Systems”, XVI World Telecom Congress Proceedings, Sep. 21, 1997, pp. 565-571.
European Search Report, dated Feb. 25, 2004, 5 pages.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/703,057, filed Oct. 31, 2000, Tony M. Brewer et al.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/703,056, filed Oct. 31, 2000, Tony M. Brewer et al.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/703,038, filed Oct. 31, 2000, Tony M. Brewer et al.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/702,958, filed Oct. 31, 2000, Tony Brewer et al.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/703,027, filed Oct. 31, 2000, Harry C. Blackmon et al.
U.S. Appl. No. 09/703,043, filed Oct. 31, 2000, Harry C. Blackmon et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Router switch fabric protection using forward error correction does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Router switch fabric protection using forward error correction, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Router switch fabric protection using forward error correction will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3408419