{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853722","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853722","title":"Systems and methods for path protection switching due to client protection switching","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-07-29T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04B","H04J","H04Q","H04Q","H04Q","H04J","H04J","H04Q","H04Q"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A method to avoid sympathetic switches in path switching protection due to client protection switching includes monitoring a drop side Tandem Connection Monitoring (TCM) entity and a line side TCM entity for a connection, wherein the drop side TCM is provisioned between a drop port of the node and a second drop port of a corresponding node, and wherein the line side TCM entity is provisioned between a plurality of line ports of the node and a second plurality of line ports of the corresponding node; responsive to detecting defects in both the drop side TCM entity and the line side TCM entity on a working line, implementing path protection switching of the working line; and, responsive to detecting defects only in the drop side TCM entity, implementing path protection switching of the working line responsive to persistence of the defects."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Systems and Methods for Path Protection Switching Due to Client Protection Switching patent introduces a novel approach to network protection, specifically designed to avoid sympathetic switches caused by client protection switching events. The core innovation lies in monitoring both drop-side and line-side Tandem Connection Monitoring (TCM) entities for a connection. This allows the system to differentiate between localized client-side failures and broader network issues.\n\nThe problem being solved is the inefficiency and instability caused by sympathetic switches, where multiple switches occur in response to a single, often localized, failure. Traditional network protection schemes struggle to effectively distinguish between these scenarios, leading to unnecessary downtime and increased operational costs.\n\nThe key technical approach involves monitoring both drop-side and line-side TCM entities. By analyzing defects in these entities, the system can intelligently determine the scope of the failure and initiate path protection switching only when necessary. A crucial aspect is the persistence check, ensuring that switching is only triggered when defects persist, avoiding reactions to transient issues.\n\nThe business value and applications are significant. By minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous service delivery, this technology can help organizations in various industries, including telecommunications, finance, and healthcare, avoid costly disruptions and maintain their competitive edge. It also leads to more efficient network management and reduced energy consumption.\n\nThe market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for reliable network connectivity continues to grow. This patent offers a compelling value proposition for network operators seeking to enhance their resilience and minimize downtime, making it a valuable asset in the telecommunications landscape.","layman_explanation":"The Systems and Methods for Path Protection Switching Due to Client Protection Switching patent addresses a critical problem in modern telecommunications: ensuring continuous network connectivity. Networks are designed with redundancy, meaning there are backup paths to reroute traffic if the primary path fails. However, existing systems often react too quickly to minor issues, causing unnecessary switching that can disrupt service and create instability.\n\nWhat Problem Does This Solve?\nImagine a highway with multiple lanes. If there's a minor fender-bender in one lane, you don't want to shut down the entire highway. Similarly, in a network, a small issue on a client's connection shouldn't trigger a complete switch to a backup path. The Systems and Methods for Path Protection Switching Due to Client Protection Switching solves this by preventing unnecessary switches, ensuring that only genuine network-level problems trigger a switch to the backup path.\n\nHow Does It Work?\nThis patent introduces a smart monitoring system that looks at two key areas: the client's connection (drop side) and the overall network connection (line side). It uses a technology called Tandem Connection Monitoring (TCM) to check for problems in both areas. If a problem is detected only on the client's side, the system waits to see if it's a temporary issue. Only if the problem persists does it trigger a switch to the backup path. This is like waiting to see if the fender-bender clears up on its own before shutting down the entire highway. By monitoring both the client and the network, the system can make more informed decisions about when to switch to the backup path.\n\nWhy Does This Matter?\nThis technology has significant implications for businesses and consumers alike. For businesses, it means reduced downtime and improved reliability, leading to increased productivity and revenue. For consumers, it means a more stable and consistent internet experience. The market impact is substantial, as network reliability is a key differentiator in the competitive telecommunications landscape. The potential ROI is high, as reducing downtime can save businesses significant amounts of money. This approach enhances the competitive advantage of network providers.\n\nWhat's Next?\nFuture applications of this technology could include integration with artificial intelligence to predict and prevent network failures before they occur. As networks become more complex, the need for intelligent protection mechanisms will only increase. This patent provides a solid foundation for future innovation in network reliability.","technical_analysis":"The Systems and Methods for Path Protection Switching Due to Client Protection Switching patent presents a solution to the problem of sympathetic switching in telecommunications networks. The technical architecture revolves around the dual monitoring of Tandem Connection Monitoring (TCM) entities, specifically on the drop side and line side of a network node.\n\nImplementation involves provisioning the drop-side TCM between a drop port of the node and a second drop port of a corresponding node. Simultaneously, the line-side TCM entity is provisioned between a plurality of line ports of the node and a second plurality of line ports of the corresponding node. This dual monitoring provides a comprehensive view of the connection status.\n\nThe algorithm at the heart of the system operates as follows: upon detecting defects in both the drop-side and line-side TCM entities on a working line, the system implements path protection switching of the working line. This indicates a significant network-level issue requiring immediate action. However, if defects are detected only in the drop-side TCM entity, the system implements path protection switching of the working line only if the defects persist. This persistence check is crucial for avoiding unnecessary switching due to transient client-side issues.\n\nIntegration into existing networks would likely involve software updates to network management systems and potentially hardware upgrades to support the TCM monitoring functionality. Performance characteristics would depend on the speed and efficiency of the TCM monitoring modules and the path protection switching mechanism.\n\nThe code-level implications involve developing robust algorithms for detecting and analyzing defects in the TCM entities, as well as implementing efficient path protection switching protocols. This patent's technical approach offers a significant improvement in network stability and resilience.","business_analysis":"The Systems and Methods for Path Protection Switching Due to Client Protection Switching patent addresses a critical need in the telecommunications industry: minimizing network downtime and ensuring continuous service delivery. The market opportunity is substantial, driven by the increasing reliance on reliable network connectivity across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.\n\nThe competitive advantages offered by this technology are significant. Traditional network protection schemes often struggle to handle complex failure scenarios efficiently, leading to sympathetic switches and prolonged outages. This patent's dual monitoring approach, using both drop-side and line-side TCM entities, provides a more intelligent and targeted response to network failures, reducing unnecessary switching and improving overall stability.\n\nThe revenue potential is substantial. Network operators can leverage this technology to improve service quality, reduce customer churn, and attract new customers. Additionally, the reduced downtime and improved efficiency can lead to significant cost savings in terms of reduced maintenance and operational expenses.\n\nPotential business models include licensing the technology to network equipment manufacturers, offering it as a service to network operators, or integrating it into existing network management platforms. Strategic positioning involves highlighting the technology's ability to improve network resilience, reduce downtime, and enhance customer satisfaction.\n\nROI projections would depend on the specific implementation scenario and the size of the network being protected. However, the potential for cost savings and revenue generation is significant, making this a valuable investment for network operators seeking to improve their bottom line.","faqs":null,"topics":["path protection switching","network reliability","Tandem Connection Monitoring","telecommunications","network stability","systems","methods","protection"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Path Protection Switching - Patent US-9853722","description":"Discover how this system avoids sympathetic switches in path protection due to client switching. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["path protection switching","network reliability","Tandem Connection Monitoring","telecommunications","network stability","client protection switching","sympathetic switches","patent","patent US-9853722"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853722","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853722","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Systems and methods for path protection switching due to client protection switching\" (US-9853722). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853722","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853722","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853722","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T09:15:26.160Z"}