{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853854","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853854","title":"Node-protection and path attribute collection with remote loop free alternates","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-10-31T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"An example method includes selecting, by a network device, a remote LFA next hop as an alternate next hop for forwarding network traffic from the network device to a destination, wherein the selected remote LFA next hop provides node protection to a primary next hop node on the shortest path from the network device to the destination. The method includes, for each candidate remote LFA next hop, performing a forward shortest path first (SPF) computation having the respective candidate remote LFA next hop as a root to compute a path segment between the respective candidate remote LFA next hop and the destination, wherein each of the candidate remote LFA next hops is the egress of a respective potential repair tunnel between the network device and candidate remote LFA next hop, and selecting the remote LFA next hop based at least in part on the computed path segments."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates patent introduces a method for enhancing network reliability by dynamically selecting alternate next hops that provide node protection. The core innovation lies in performing a forward Shortest Path First (SPF) computation for each candidate remote Loop Free Alternate (LFA) next hop to compute a path segment between the candidate LFA and the destination. This allows the network device to intelligently select the remote LFA next hop based on the computed path segments, optimizing for minimal disruption and rapid recovery in the event of primary node failures.\n\nThis technology addresses the problem of network downtime caused by node failures, which can lead to significant financial losses and operational disruptions. Traditional methods often rely on pre-configured backup paths, which are inefficient and slow to adapt to changing network conditions. The system offers a more adaptive and efficient solution for maintaining network stability and performance.\n\nThe key technical approach involves leveraging the egress of potential repair tunnels between the network device and the candidate remote LFA next hop. By performing SPF computation for each candidate, the system ensures that network traffic can be quickly rerouted in the event of a primary node failure. This dynamic selection process minimizes disruptions and ensures rapid recovery.\n\nThe business value of Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates lies in its ability to reduce network downtime, improve network performance, and enhance overall network reliability. This translates to increased revenue, reduced operational costs, and improved customer satisfaction. The technology has applications across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, where real-time data transmission and uninterrupted service are critical.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is significant, as businesses increasingly rely on robust network infrastructure to support their operations. By offering a more adaptive and efficient solution for maintaining network stability, Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates provides a competitive edge to businesses reliant on robust network infrastructure.","layman_explanation":"The Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates patent addresses a critical issue in modern networks: ensuring continuous connectivity even when parts of the network fail. In simple terms, it's like having a backup plan for your internet traffic, so it doesn't get stuck when something goes wrong.\n\n**What Problem Does This Solve?**\nImagine a highway with multiple lanes. If one lane is blocked due to an accident, traffic can grind to a halt. Similarly, in a computer network, if a node (a point where data is processed or forwarded) fails, it can disrupt the flow of information. Existing solutions often involve pre-planned detours, but these can be inefficient and slow to implement, leading to delays and downtime. This patent solves this problem by creating a system that automatically finds the best alternative route in real-time.\n\n**How Does It Work?**\nThe invention works by constantly monitoring the network and identifying potential alternative routes that can be used if a node fails. It's like having a smart GPS that can instantly reroute traffic around a blocked lane. The system uses a technique called Shortest Path First (SPF) computation to evaluate different routes and select the one that offers the best performance and reliability. The system considers factors like distance, bandwidth, and the availability of other nodes to make the best decision. It then seamlessly switches the traffic to the alternative route, ensuring minimal disruption.\n\n**Why Does This Matter?**\nThis technology has significant implications for businesses that rely on constant connectivity. For example, financial institutions need to ensure that transactions can be processed without interruption. Healthcare providers need to ensure that patient data is always accessible. E-commerce companies need to ensure that customers can always access their websites. By minimizing downtime and improving network reliability, this patent can help businesses save money, improve customer satisfaction, and gain a competitive advantage. The market for network reliability solutions is growing rapidly, and this patent positions its owners to capture a significant share of that market.\n\n**What's Next?**\nThe technology can be further developed to support even more complex network environments and to integrate with other network management tools. As networks become more sophisticated, the need for dynamic and adaptive solutions like this will only increase. The market adoption timeline will depend on factors like regulatory approvals, industry standards, and the availability of skilled professionals to implement the technology. However, the potential ROI is high, making this an attractive investment opportunity.","technical_analysis":"The Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates patent details a system designed to enhance network resilience through dynamic path selection and node protection. The technical architecture revolves around a network device's ability to identify and utilize remote Loop Free Alternates (LFAs) as backup next hops, ensuring continuous data flow even in the event of primary node failures.\n\nImplementation involves integrating the system into existing network infrastructures, requiring modifications to routing protocols and network management systems. The core algorithm performs a forward Shortest Path First (SPF) computation for each candidate remote LFA next hop. This computation determines the path segment between the candidate LFA and the destination, allowing the network device to assess the viability of each candidate.\n\nThe algorithm specifics involve considering various path attributes, such as latency, bandwidth, and hop count, to optimize the selection of the remote LFA next hop. The system also takes into account the egress of potential repair tunnels between the network device and the candidate LFA, ensuring rapid rerouting of traffic in the event of a primary node failure.\n\nIntegration patterns involve modifying existing routing protocols to support the dynamic selection of remote LFAs. This may require updates to routing tables and the implementation of new network management interfaces. The system also integrates with network monitoring tools to provide real-time insights into network performance and potential bottlenecks.\n\nPerformance characteristics are significantly improved compared to traditional network protection methods. The system offers faster recovery times, reduced downtime, and improved network stability. The dynamic path selection process ensures that network traffic is always routed through the most efficient path, minimizing latency and maximizing bandwidth utilization.\n\nCode-level implications involve implementing the SPF computation algorithm and the dynamic path selection process in software. This requires careful consideration of memory usage, CPU utilization, and network bandwidth. The system must be designed to handle large-scale networks with thousands of nodes and connections.","business_analysis":"The Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates patent presents a significant business opportunity in the realm of network infrastructure and reliability. The technology directly addresses the critical need for uninterrupted data flow in modern networks, offering substantial benefits to businesses reliant on robust connectivity.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial, given the increasing reliance on network infrastructure across various industries, including finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and e-commerce. The growing demand for high availability and low latency networks drives the need for innovative solutions like this patent.\n\nThe competitive advantages of Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates stem from its dynamic and adaptive approach to node protection. Unlike traditional methods that rely on pre-configured backup paths, this technology dynamically selects alternate next hops based on real-time network conditions, ensuring faster recovery times and improved network performance.\n\nThe revenue potential is significant, with multiple business models possible. These include licensing the technology to network equipment manufacturers, offering managed network services, and providing consulting services to help businesses implement and optimize their network infrastructure.\n\nThe strategic positioning of Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates is as a key enabler of network resilience and high availability. This positions the technology as a critical component of modern network architectures, offering a competitive edge to businesses seeking to minimize downtime and maximize network performance.\n\nROI projections are highly favorable, given the potential for significant cost savings through reduced downtime and improved network efficiency. Businesses can expect to see a rapid return on investment through increased revenue, reduced operational costs, and improved customer satisfaction.","faqs":null,"topics":["network reliability"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates - Patent US-9853854","description":"Discover the Node-protection and Path Attribute Collection with Remote Loop Free Alternates patent for enhanced network reliability. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["network reliability"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853854","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-9853854","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Node-protection and path attribute collection with remote loop free alternates\" (US-9853854). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853854","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853854","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853854","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T04:07:36.867Z"}