{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853915","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853915","title":"Fast fail-over using tunnels","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-11-04T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"Various systems and methods for performing fast fail-over. For example, one method involves receiving a packet at a node. The packet is received at the node in response to a designated forwarder (DF) detecting loss of communication between the DF and a receiver node. The method also involves determining that the first packet was received via a tunnel. The method also involves forwarding the first packet and initiating a DF election. Forwarding the first packet and initiating the DF election are performed in response to determining that the first packet was received via the tunnel."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels patent details a system and method for rapidly switching network traffic to an alternative path when a failure occurs. The core innovation is the use of tunnels to bypass failed nodes or links, ensuring continuous data flow and minimizing downtime. This technology addresses the problem of network interruptions, which can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage for businesses.\n\nThe key technical approach involves detecting communication failures between network nodes, typically using a designated forwarder (DF). When a DF detects a loss of communication with a receiver node, the system initiates a fail-over process. This process includes forwarding packets via a tunnel and initiating a new DF election. The use of tunnels allows for immediate redirection of traffic, bypassing the failed component.\n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its ability to improve network reliability and reduce downtime. By minimizing interruptions, businesses can maintain continuous operations, avoid financial losses, and enhance customer satisfaction. The technology is applicable to a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, where network connectivity is critical.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is significant. As networks become increasingly complex and critical to business operations, the need for reliable and automated fail-over mechanisms will only grow. The Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels patent is well-positioned to meet this demand and become a standard component of modern network infrastructure.\n\nThis system is an automated and robust solution that minimizes network downtime by using tunnels for quick rerouting of data, initiating a new DF election, and ensuring continuous operations. The innovation holds significant market potential, particularly in sectors where uninterrupted network connectivity is paramount.","layman_explanation":"The Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels patent addresses a common and costly problem for businesses: network downtime. When a network connection fails, whether due to a hardware malfunction, software glitch, or external disruption, it can interrupt critical business operations, leading to lost revenue, decreased productivity, and damaged reputation. Existing solutions often involve manual intervention, which can be slow and error-prone, or automated systems that are complex and expensive to implement.\n\nThis patent offers a solution by automatically detecting network failures and rerouting data traffic through alternative paths, known as 'tunnels.' Think of it like a detour on a highway. If a bridge is closed, traffic is automatically rerouted through another road to keep things moving. In this case, the system creates a virtual tunnel to bypass the failed network connection, ensuring that data continues to flow without interruption. This process happens automatically and within seconds, minimizing the impact of the failure.\n\nThe key benefit of this approach is minimizing network downtime. For businesses that rely on continuous network connectivity, such as e-commerce companies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers, even a few minutes of downtime can result in significant financial losses and operational disruptions. By providing a fast and reliable fail-over mechanism, this technology can help businesses avoid these costs and maintain a high level of service.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology has the potential to become a standard component of modern network infrastructure. As networks become increasingly complex and critical to business operations, the need for reliable and automated fail-over mechanisms will only grow. This patent is well-positioned to meet this demand and provide businesses with a cost-effective solution for ensuring network reliability. The adoption timeline will depend on the integration efforts of network equipment manufacturers and the awareness among businesses of the benefits of this technology. From an investment perspective, companies that develop and implement this technology stand to gain a significant competitive advantage in the network infrastructure market.","technical_analysis":"The Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels patent introduces a system designed to enhance network resilience by providing a mechanism for rapid recovery from communication failures. The technical architecture leverages the concept of tunnels to reroute network traffic around problematic nodes or links. When a designated forwarder (DF) identifies a disruption in communication with a receiver node, the system dynamically establishes a tunnel to forward packets, ensuring minimal interruption.\n\nThe implementation typically involves a monitoring component that continuously assesses the health of network links. This component may use techniques such as heartbeat messages or link-state monitoring protocols. Upon detecting a failure, the system triggers a fail-over process, which includes encapsulating packets within a tunnel and forwarding them to an alternate destination. Tunneling protocols like GRE or IPsec are commonly used for this purpose.\n\nThe algorithm specifics involve the DF election process. The system needs to quickly elect a new DF to maintain network functionality. This election process can be based on various criteria, such as node priority, network topology, or load balancing considerations. The efficiency of the DF election algorithm is crucial for minimizing fail-over time.\n\nIntegration patterns involve seamless integration with existing network infrastructure. The system should be compatible with various network devices and protocols. APIs and configuration interfaces should be provided to allow network administrators to easily manage and monitor the fail-over process.\n\nThe performance characteristics of the system are critical. Fail-over time should be minimized to avoid significant disruptions. The overhead associated with tunneling should be kept low to avoid impacting network throughput. The system should be scalable to handle large networks with numerous nodes and links.\n\nThe code-level implications involve the development of efficient and reliable network drivers and protocols. The code should be optimized for performance and stability. Robust error handling mechanisms should be implemented to ensure that the system can gracefully handle unexpected events. The Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels patent represents a significant advancement in network reliability, providing a robust and efficient solution for minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous network operation.","business_analysis":"The Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels patent presents a significant business opportunity in the realm of network infrastructure and reliability. The market opportunity size is substantial, as network downtime can cost businesses millions of dollars annually. Industries such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and cloud computing are particularly vulnerable to network interruptions and stand to benefit the most from this technology.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this system stem from its ability to provide rapid and automated fail-over. Traditional fail-over mechanisms often involve manual intervention and complex configuration changes, leading to delays and potential errors. Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels automates this process, streamlining network management and reducing the risk of human error. This automation translates into significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is substantial. The system can be offered as a standalone product or integrated into existing network infrastructure solutions. Potential revenue streams include software licensing, hardware sales, and professional services such as consulting, implementation, and support.\n\nPotential business models include a subscription-based model, where customers pay a recurring fee for access to the technology and ongoing support. Another option is a perpetual license model, where customers pay a one-time fee for a license to use the technology. A hybrid model, combining elements of both subscription and perpetual licensing, may also be viable.\n\nFrom a strategic positioning perspective, this technology can be positioned as a premium solution for businesses that demand the highest levels of network reliability. The system can be marketed as a way to reduce downtime, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.\n\nROI projections for this technology are highly favorable. By reducing network downtime, businesses can avoid significant financial losses and improve their bottom line. The system can also lead to cost savings through reduced manual intervention and improved operational efficiency. The Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels patent represents a valuable investment for businesses seeking to enhance their network reliability and improve their overall business performance. The innovation is poised to capture a significant share of the network reliability market, offering compelling value proposition for organizations reliant on seamless network connectivity.","faqs":null,"topics":["fast failover","network reliability","tunneling","network downtime","designated forwarder","using","tunnels","patent"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels - Patent US-9853915","description":"Discover Fast Fail-over Using Tunnels, a system for rapid network failover using tunnels. Minimize downtime with this innovative approach. Claims, details, and analysis.","keywords":["fast failover","network reliability","tunneling","network downtime","designated forwarder","packet rerouting","patent","patent US-9853915"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853915","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-9853915","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Fast fail-over using tunnels\" (US-9853915). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853915","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853915","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853915","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T14:46:39.997Z"}