ARP table item synchronization method and MLAGE-Lite test system

Abstract

The invention discloses an ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table item synchronization method and an MLAP-Lite test system. The method applied to auxiliary test equipment of the MLAP-Lite test system comprises the following steps: receiving an ARP message notified by the test equipment in a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network); the gateway address of the ARP message is an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the same VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) interface configured by the two MLAP-Lite gateways; packaging an LLDP message according to the ARP message; and the LLDP message is sent to the two MLAP-Lite gateways through a link aggregation port in the VLAN. According to the method, the ARP table item is not stored on the auxiliary testing equipment, so that the overall configuration complexity is reduced, and the performance requirement on the auxiliary testing equipment is reduced; and the two MLAGE-Lite gateways can synchronously receive the latest ARP table item information in real time, so that the problem of traffic abnormality caused by inconsistency of table items on two sides after the ARP changes in a waiting period in the prior art is solved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of data communication, in particular to an ARP entry synchronization method and an MLAG-Lite test system. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the gradual increase of data center access volume and the increasing requirement of network reliability, the virtual technology of switch is gradually developed. The stacking technology virtually combines multiple physical switches into one switch, which has the advantages of increasing bandwidth, improving reliability, simplifying network topology, and two devices can be uniformly managed.

[0003] The subsequent development of MLAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation Group) technology is a mechanism for realizing cross-device link aggregation, that is, a device is paired with another two devices for cross-device link aggregation to form a dual-active system. On the basis of the advantages of stacking, it has higher reliability (increasing the link reliability from the single board level to the device level), and can be upgraded independently (MLAG two devices are upgraded respectively, ensuring that one of them is working normally, which has little effect on the running business). Further development of the lightweight MLAG-Lite technology is a more simple and pure de-stacking technology solution based on the framework of the cross-device link aggregation group (MLAG) technology, which realizes the decoupling of the control plane between the two devices, and the devices do not need to configure heartbeat links to synchronize protocol packets to achieve the purpose of dual-active forwarding. Version upgrade will not affect each other.

[0004] As shown in Figure 1 , MLAG-Lite is generally a dual gateway (a first MLAG-Lite gateway and a second MLAG-Lite gateway) for a server in actual use, and the server needs to support dynamic LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) and ensure that both the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway support sending ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) to ensure that the same ARP exists on the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway. However, during the research and development test phase, if a server is used to verify the function or performance of the two MLAG-Lite gateways, the cost will be high, and if a server is not used, that is, if a test device and an auxiliary test device as shown in Figure 2 are used, it will be difficult for the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway to exist all ARP entries at the same time, because Figure 2As shown, the ARP packets sent by the test port will be load-balanced on the link aggregation port, meaning that by default, the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway each have only about half of the ARP entries.

[0005] Some existing technologies address the ARP entry synchronization issue by using auxiliary testing devices to store ARP entries. However, this method places high demands on the auxiliary testing devices. If the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways are high-end switches supporting a large capacity of ARP entries, the auxiliary testing devices need to synchronously support that capacity, leading to high testing equipment costs. Other existing technologies involve the auxiliary testing devices periodically announcing their stored ARP entries to both the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways. However, if the ARP entries change within this periodic announcement period, inconsistencies may arise between the two sets of ARP entries, impacting traffic for a period of time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an ARP entry synchronization method and an MLAG-Lite testing system.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A first aspect of the present invention provides an ARP entry synchronization method applied to an auxiliary test device in an MLAG-Lite test system. The auxiliary test device is dual-homed to two MLAG-Lite gateways and is connected to a test device. The method includes: Receive ARP packets announced by the test device within the VLAN; the gateway address of the ARP packet is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; Encapsulate the characteristic information of the ARP message in the LLDP message; The LLDP message is sent to the two MLAG-Lite gateways through the link aggregation port within the VLAN.

[0008] Furthermore, the encapsulation of the ARP packet's characteristic information in the LLDP packet includes: The characteristic information obtained from the ARP message, including the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address, is encapsulated in the LLDP message.

[0009] Furthermore, the LLDP message is transmitted in TLV format, and the protocol type value in the ARP message is 0x0806.

[0010] Furthermore, the method also includes, prior to the ARP packets advertised by the receiving test device within the VLAN: Establish a connection with the test equipment; Add the ports connected to the two MLAG-Lite gateways to the link aggregation port, and configure the link aggregation port to send LLDP messages based on the member ports.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention provides an ARP entry synchronization method, applied to either of two MLAG-Lite gateways in an MLAG-Lite testing system, wherein an auxiliary testing device accesses the MLAG-Lite gateway through a member port of its link aggregation port, the method comprising: Receive LLDP packets sent by the link aggregation port of the auxiliary testing device; the LLDP packets encapsulate the characteristic information of ARP packets advertised by the testing device within the VLAN; the gateway address of the ARP packets is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; The characteristic information of the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet is parsed and sent to the CPU for processing to generate ARP entries.

[0012] Furthermore, the characteristic information of the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet includes the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address.

[0013] Furthermore, the LLDP message is transmitted in TLV format, and the protocol type value in the ARP message is 0x0806.

[0014] Furthermore, the method also includes, prior to receiving the LLDP message sent by the member port of the link aggregation port of the auxiliary testing device: Establish a connection with auxiliary testing equipment based on the LACP protocol; Configure the same VLAN interface as another MLAG-Lite gateway; Enable the LLDP protocol.

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention provides an ARP entry synchronization method applied to an MLAG-Lite testing system, the testing system comprising a testing device, an auxiliary testing device, and two MLAG-Lite gateways, wherein the testing device is connected to the auxiliary testing device, and the auxiliary testing device is dual-homed to the two MLAG-Lite gateways; the method includes: The auxiliary testing device receives ARP packets announced by the testing device within the VLAN; the gateway address of the ARP packet is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; The auxiliary testing device encapsulates the characteristic information of the ARP packet in the LLDP packet and sends the LLDP packet to the two MLAG-Lite gateways through the link aggregation port in the VLAN. The two MLAG-Lite gateways receive the LLDP packets, parse the ARP packet information encapsulated in the LLDP packets, send it to the CPU for processing, and generate ARP entries.

[0016] Furthermore, the implementation method of encapsulating the characteristic information of the ARP packet in the LLDP packet includes: The characteristic information obtained from the ARP message, including the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address, is encapsulated in the LLDP message.

[0017] Furthermore, the method also includes the following steps before the auxiliary testing device receives the ARP packet advertised by the testing device within the VLAN: The auxiliary testing device establishes a connection with the testing device; the auxiliary testing device adds the port connected to the two MLAG-Lite gateways to the link aggregation port, and configures the link aggregation port to send LLDP messages based on the member ports; and / or: The MLAG-Lite gateway establishes a connection with the auxiliary testing device based on the LACP protocol; the same VLAN interface is configured on both MLAG-Lite gateways; the LLDP protocol is enabled on both MLAG-Lite gateways.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an MLAG-Lite testing system, the system comprising a testing device, an auxiliary testing device, and two MLAG-Lite gateways, wherein the testing device is connected to the auxiliary testing device, and the auxiliary testing device is dual-homed to the two MLAG-Lite gateways; The auxiliary testing device is used to receive ARP packets announced by the testing device within the VLAN, encapsulate the characteristic information of the ARP packets in LLDP packets, and send the LLDP packets to two MLAG-Lite gateways through the link aggregation port within the VLAN; wherein, the gateway address of the ARP packets is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; The two MLAG-Lite gateways are used to receive the LLDP packets respectively, and parse the feature information of the ARP packets encapsulated in the LLDP packets and send it to the CPU for processing to generate ARP entries.

[0019] Furthermore, the implementation method of encapsulating the characteristic information of the ARP packet in the LLDP packet includes: The obtained ARP packets, including the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address, are encapsulated in LLDP packets.

[0020] Furthermore, before the ARP packets advertised by the receiving test device within the VLAN: The auxiliary testing equipment is also used to establish a connection with the testing equipment; add the ports connected to the two MLAG-Lite gateways to the link aggregation port; configure the link aggregation port to send LLDP messages based on the member ports; and / or: The two MLAG-Lite gateways are also used to establish a connection with the auxiliary testing equipment based on the LACP protocol; configure the same VLAN interface on the two MLAG-Lite gateways; and enable the LLDP protocol on both MLAG-Lite gateways.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, ARP entries are not stored on the auxiliary testing device, which reduces the complexity of the overall configuration and the performance requirements of the auxiliary testing device; at the same time, it ensures that the two MLAG-Lite gateways can receive the latest ARP entry information in real time, which solves the problem of traffic abnormalities caused by inconsistencies in the entries on both sides after ARP changes during the waiting period in the prior art, and realizes the synchronization of ARP entries. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of MLAG-Lite in the existing technology; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the MLAG-Lite testing system provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an ARP entry synchronization method provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an ARP entry synchronization method provided in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an ARP entry synchronization method provided in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] See Figure 2 , Figure 2The network architecture of the MLAG-Lite testing system shown in the following exemplary embodiment is illustrated. During the testing phase of the MLAG-Lite gateway, on the one hand, the auxiliary testing device is connected to the test port of the testing device to receive ARP packets sent by the testing device; on the other hand, the auxiliary testing device dual-homed to two MLAG-Lite gateways (the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway) via the LACP protocol, replacing... Figure 1 The implementation of the server in the configuration reduces R&D and testing costs. It should be noted that, depending on actual testing needs, the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways can provide dual-homed access for multiple auxiliary testing devices. Testing devices can be testing instruments. Auxiliary testing devices can be switches.

[0025] To achieve synchronization of ARP entries between the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway, the following exemplary embodiment will be described in detail (taking one auxiliary testing device and two MLAG-Lite gateways as an example), specifically: See Figure 3 , Figure 3 A flowchart of an ARP entry synchronization method provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, applied to an auxiliary test device in an MLAG-Lite test system. The auxiliary test device is dual-homed to two MLAG-Lite gateways and connected to the test device. The method includes: receiving an ARP packet advertised by the test device within a VLAN; the gateway address of the ARP packet is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured on both MLAG-Lite gateways; encapsulating the characteristic information of the ARP packet advertised by the test device in the LLDP packet using the existing LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) packet sending mechanism; and sending the LLDP packet to the two MLAG-Lite gateways through the link aggregation port within the VLAN. Specifically, an ARP packet is constructed on the test device and then advertised externally. Through VLAN configuration, the ARP packet is forwarded to the auxiliary test device.

[0026] To achieve the objectives of this exemplary embodiment, the link aggregation ports connecting the auxiliary testing device to the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways, as well as the port connecting the auxiliary testing device to the test instrument, need to be added to the same VLAN to ensure uninterrupted data flow. Simultaneously, the ports connecting the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways to the auxiliary testing device also need to be added to the link aggregation ports, and the link aggregation ports on both MLAG-Lite gateways should be configured with the same MAC address (to prevent the auxiliary testing device from recognizing that the other end is a separate device). The member ports of the link aggregation ports connecting the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways to the auxiliary testing device are also added to the VLANs containing the ports on the auxiliary testing device, and corresponding VLAN interfaces are created on both MLAG-Lite gateways and configured with the same IP address and MAC address (to prevent the test device's test port from recognizing the gateway differences when sending ARP packets).

[0027] Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, after receiving the message sent by the test device through the test port, the auxiliary test device determines the type of the message. If the test device sends an ARP message, it encapsulates the characteristic information of the ARP message in an LLDP message and finally sends it to the MLAG-Lite gateway (i.e., the link aggregation port) through the LLDP message. Figure 2 The first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway in the process send LLDP messages, that is, each member port of the link aggregation port sends them out.

[0028] It should be noted that when an ARP packet sent from the test port of the test device arrives at the port of the auxiliary test device, the auxiliary test device can determine the type of the packet on its chip. If it is an ARP packet, the chip can obtain the relevant information of the ARP packet (such as protocol type value 0x0806, source MAC address, source IP address) through the offset bits, and then encapsulate this information into the TLV of the LLDP packet. Since the LLDP packet is configured to be sent based on the member port of the link aggregation port, and the gateway address of the ARP packet is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways, both member ports of the auxiliary test device will send ARP information outward through the link aggregation port and arrive at the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway respectively. Afterwards, the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway can simultaneously receive the LLDP packet containing the ARP packet, thus generating the same ARP entry after parsing. Furthermore, when the ARP entry changes subsequently, it can also detect the change in real time and generate a new ARP entry. Furthermore, since LLDP messages themselves do not flood, looping will not occur. During this process, the auxiliary testing equipment only acts as a pass-through device and does not store ARP entries.

[0029] This approach eliminates the need to store ARP entries on the auxiliary testing device, reducing overall configuration complexity and performance requirements. It also ensures that the two MLAG-Lite gateways can receive the latest ARP entry information in real time, resolving the issue of inconsistent entries and abnormal traffic that may occur in existing technologies due to ARP changes during the waiting period. This achieves ARP entry synchronization.

[0030] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the method of encapsulating the feature information of the ARP packet in the LLDP packet includes: encapsulating the feature information of the acquired ARP packet, including the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address, in the LLDP packet. Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, a specific implementation method for encapsulating the LLDP packet according to the feature information of the ARP packet is disclosed, that is, encapsulating the ARP packet protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address in the ARP packet in the LLDP packet. Subsequently, the two MLAG-Lite gateways can identify the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet based on this content.

[0031] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the LLDP message is transmitted in TLV format (Type-Length-Value), and the protocol type value of the ARP message is 0x0806. 0x0806 is the unique identifier of the ARP message, and can be quickly identified during the parsing process of the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway.

[0032] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes, prior to receiving the ARP packets advertised by the test device within the VLAN: establishing a connection with the test device; adding the ports connected to the two MLAG-Lite gateways to the link aggregation port; and configuring the link aggregation port to send LLDP packets based on the member ports.

[0033] Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, before testing, the auxiliary test device is connected to the test device (through the test port) as a traffic pass-through device according to the network setup environment. At the same time, a link aggregation group is established with the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway, and the link aggregation group is configured to send packets based on the member ports.

[0034] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 The diagram illustrates an ARP entry synchronization method provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, applied to any MLAG-Lite gateway in an MLAG-Lite testing system. An auxiliary testing device accesses the MLAG-Lite gateway through a member port of its link aggregation port. The method includes: receiving an LLDP packet sent by the link aggregation port of the auxiliary testing device; the LLDP packet carrying characteristic information of an ARP packet advertised by the testing device within a VLAN; the gateway address of the ARP packet being the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured in both MLAG-Lite gateways; parsing the characteristic information of the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet and sending it to the CPU for processing to generate an ARP entry.

[0035] To achieve the objectives of this exemplary embodiment, the link aggregation ports connecting the auxiliary testing device to the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways, as well as the port connecting the auxiliary testing device to the test instrument, need to be added to the same VLAN to ensure uninterrupted data flow. Simultaneously, the ports connecting the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways to the auxiliary testing device also need to be added to the link aggregation ports, and the link aggregation ports on both MLAG-Lite gateways should be configured with the same MAC address (to prevent the auxiliary testing device from recognizing that the other end is a separate device). The member ports of the link aggregation ports connecting the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways to the auxiliary testing device are also added to the VLANs containing the ports on the auxiliary testing device, and corresponding VLAN interfaces are created on both MLAG-Lite gateways and configured with the same IP address and MAC address (to prevent the test device's test port from recognizing the gateway differences when sending ARP packets).

[0036] Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, after the link aggregation ports of the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway receive the message sent by the auxiliary testing device through the LACP protocol, the LLDP message is parsed. When it is found that the LLDP message is encapsulated with an ARP message, the characteristic information of the ARP message is used to send it to the CPU for processing and generate an ARP entry.

[0037] In other words, the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways can synchronously receive LLDP packets sent by the auxiliary testing device via the LACP protocol, and generate ARP entries based on the ARP packets encapsulated within the LLDP packets. The first and second MLAG-Lite gateways can generate ARP entries simultaneously, thus achieving ARP entry synchronization. Furthermore, when subsequent ARP entries change, they can also detect the changes in real time and generate new ARP entries accordingly. Simultaneously, because LLDP packets themselves do not flood, looping will not occur.

[0038] This approach, based on the LACP protocol, ensures that the two MLAG-Lite gateways can receive the latest ARP entries in real time, solving the problem of traffic anomalies caused by inconsistencies in the entries on both sides after ARP changes during the waiting period in existing technologies, and achieving ARP entry synchronization.

[0039] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the LLDP packet encapsulates the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address from the ARP packet. Specifically, this exemplary embodiment discloses a specific implementation method for the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet, that is, the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address from the ARP packet are encapsulated in the basic constituent unit of the LLDP packet. Two MLAG-Lite gateways can identify the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet based on this content.

[0040] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the LLDP message is transmitted in TLV (Type-Length-Value) format, and the protocol type value in the ARP message is 0x0806. 0x0806 is the unique identifier of the ARP message, and the 0x0806 feature can be quickly identified during the parsing process of the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway.

[0041] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes, prior to receiving LLDP messages sent from a member port of the link aggregation port of the auxiliary test device: establishing a connection with the auxiliary test device based on the LACP protocol; configuring a VLAN interface identical to that of another MLAG-Lite gateway; and enabling the LLDP protocol.

[0042] Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, before testing, the auxiliary testing device first establishes a link aggregation group with two MLAG-Lite gateways (the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway) according to the network setup environment, and configures the link aggregation group to send packets based on member ports. On the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways, the same VLANIF interface is configured as dual gateways, and the LLDP protocol is enabled to parse received LLDP packets.

[0043] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 A flowchart of an ARP entry synchronization method provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, applied to an MLAG-Lite test system. The test system includes a test device, an auxiliary test device, and two MLAG-Lite gateways. The test device is connected to the auxiliary test device, and the auxiliary test device is dual-homed to the two MLAG-Lite gateways. The method includes: The auxiliary testing device receives ARP packets advertised by the testing device within the VLAN; the gateway address of the ARP packet is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; the auxiliary testing device encapsulates the characteristic information of the ARP packet in the LLDP packet; the auxiliary testing device sends the LLDP packet to the two MLAG-Lite gateways through the link aggregation port within the VLAN; Two MLAG-Lite gateways receive the LLDP packets respectively; the two MLAG-Lite gateways parse the feature information of the ARP packets encapsulated in the LLDP packets and send it to the CPU for processing to generate ARP entries.

[0044] To achieve the objectives of this exemplary embodiment, the link aggregation ports connecting the auxiliary testing device to the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways, as well as the port connecting the auxiliary testing device to the test instrument, need to be added to the same VLAN to ensure uninterrupted data flow. Simultaneously, the ports connecting the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways to the auxiliary testing device also need to be added to the link aggregation ports, and the link aggregation ports on both MLAG-Lite gateways should be configured with the same MAC address (to prevent the auxiliary testing device from recognizing that the other end is a separate device). The member ports of the link aggregation ports connecting the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways to the auxiliary testing device are also added to the VLANs containing the ports on the auxiliary testing device, and corresponding VLAN interfaces are created on both MLAG-Lite gateways and configured with the same IP address and MAC address (to prevent the test device's test port from recognizing the gateway differences when sending ARP packets).

[0045] Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, after receiving the packet sent by the test device through the test port, the auxiliary test device determines the type of the packet. If the test device sends an ARP packet, it encapsulates an LLDP packet according to the ARP packet and finally sends it to the MLAG-Lite gateway (i.e., the link aggregation port) through the MLAG-Lite gateway. Figure 2 The first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway in the process send LLDP messages, that is, each member port of the link aggregation port sends them out.

[0046] It should be noted that when an ARP packet sent from the test port of the test device arrives at the port of the auxiliary test device, the auxiliary test device can determine the type of the packet on its chip. If it is an ARP packet, the chip can obtain the relevant information of the ARP packet (such as protocol type value 0x0806, source MAC address, source IP address) through the offset bits, and then encapsulate this information into the TLV of the LLDP packet. Since the LLDP packet is configured to be sent based on the member port of the link aggregation port, and the gateway address of the ARP packet is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways, both member ports of the auxiliary test device will send ARP information outward through the link aggregation port and arrive at the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway respectively. Afterwards, the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway can simultaneously receive the LLDP packet containing the ARP packet, thus generating the same ARP entry after parsing. Furthermore, when the ARP entry changes subsequently, it can also detect the change in real time and generate a new ARP entry. Furthermore, since LLDP messages themselves do not flood, looping will not occur. During this process, the auxiliary testing equipment only acts as a pass-through device and does not store ARP entries.

[0047] This approach eliminates the need to store ARP entries on the auxiliary testing device, reducing overall configuration complexity and performance requirements. It also ensures that the two MLAG-Lite gateways can receive the latest ARP entry information in real time, resolving the issue of inconsistent entries and abnormal traffic that may occur in existing technologies due to ARP changes during the waiting period. This achieves ARP entry synchronization.

[0048] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, encapsulating the feature information of the ARP packet in the LLDP packet includes: encapsulating the feature information of the acquired ARP packet, including the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address, into the LLDP packet. Specifically, this exemplary embodiment discloses a specific implementation method for encapsulating LLDP packets according to ARP packets, that is, encapsulating the ARP packet protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address from the ARP packet into the LLDP packet. Subsequently, two MLAG-Lite gateways can identify the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet based on this content.

[0049] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the LLDP message is transmitted in TLV format (Type-Length-Value), and the protocol type value of the ARP message is 0x0806. 0x0806 is the unique identifier of the ARP message, and can be quickly identified during the parsing process of the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway.

[0050] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes, prior to the auxiliary testing device receiving the ARP packet advertised by the testing device within the VLAN: The auxiliary testing device establishes a connection with the testing device; the auxiliary testing device adds the port connected to the two MLAG-Lite gateways to the link aggregation port, and configures the link aggregation port to send LLDP messages based on the member ports; and / or: The MLAG-Lite gateway establishes a connection with the auxiliary testing device based on the LACP protocol; the same VLAN interface is configured on both MLAG-Lite gateways; the LLDP protocol is enabled on both MLAG-Lite gateways.

[0051] Specifically, in one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, before testing, the auxiliary test device is first connected to the test device (through the test port) as a traffic pass-through device according to the network setup environment. At the same time, a link aggregation group is established with the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway, and the link aggregation group is configured to send packets based on the member ports.

[0052] In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, before testing, according to the network setup environment, the auxiliary test device establishes a link aggregation group with two MLAG-Lite gateways (the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway), and configures the link aggregation group to send packets based on member ports. On the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways, the same VLANIF interface is configured as dual gateways, and the LLDP protocol is enabled to parse received LLDP packets.

[0053] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 The present invention illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an MLAG-Lite testing system, which includes a testing device, an auxiliary testing device, and two MLAG-Lite gateways. The testing device is connected to the auxiliary testing device, and the auxiliary testing device is dual-homed to the two MLAG-Lite gateways. The auxiliary testing device is used to receive ARP packets announced by the testing device within the VLAN, encapsulate the characteristic information of the ARP packets in the LLDP packets, and send the LLDP packets to the two MLAG-Lite gateways through the link aggregation port within the VLAN; wherein, the gateway address of the ARP packets is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; The two MLAG-Lite gateways are used to receive the LLDP packets respectively, and parse the feature information of the ARP packets encapsulated in the LLDP packets and send it to the CPU for processing to generate ARP entries.

[0054] Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, after receiving the packet sent by the test device through the test port, the auxiliary test device determines the type of the packet. If the test device sends an ARP packet, it encapsulates an LLDP packet according to the ARP packet and finally sends it to the MLAG-Lite gateway (i.e., the link aggregation port) through the MLAG-Lite gateway. Figure 2 The first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway in the process send LLDP messages, that is, each member port of the link aggregation port sends them out.

[0055] It should be noted that when an ARP packet sent from the test port of the test device arrives at the port of the auxiliary test device, the auxiliary test device can determine the type of the packet on its chip. If it is an ARP packet, the chip can obtain the relevant information of the ARP packet (such as protocol type value 0x0806, source MAC address, source IP address) through the offset bits, and then encapsulate this information into the TLV of the LLDP packet. Since the LLDP packet is configured to be sent based on the member port of the link aggregation port, and the gateway address of the ARP packet is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways, both member ports of the auxiliary test device will send ARP information outward through the link aggregation port and arrive at the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway respectively. Afterwards, the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway can simultaneously receive the LLDP packet containing the ARP packet, thus generating the same ARP entry after parsing. Furthermore, when the ARP entry changes subsequently, it can also detect the change in real time and generate a new ARP entry. Furthermore, since LLDP messages themselves do not flood, looping will not occur. During this process, the auxiliary testing equipment only acts as a pass-through device and does not store ARP entries.

[0056] This approach eliminates the need to store ARP entries on the auxiliary testing device, reducing overall configuration complexity and performance requirements. It also ensures that the two MLAG-Lite gateways can receive the latest ARP entry information in real time, resolving the issue of inconsistent entries and abnormal traffic that may occur in existing technologies due to ARP changes during the waiting period. This achieves ARP entry synchronization.

[0057] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the implementation of encapsulating LLDP packets according to ARP packets includes: encapsulating the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address from the obtained ARP packet into an LLDP packet. Specifically, this exemplary embodiment discloses a specific implementation method for encapsulating LLDP packets according to ARP packets, that is, encapsulating the ARP packet protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address from the ARP packet into the LLDP packet. The two subsequent MLAG-Lite gateways can then identify the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet based on this content.

[0058] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, the LLDP message is transmitted in TLV format (Type-Length-Value), and the protocol type value of the ARP message is 0x0806. 0x0806 is the unique identifier of the ARP message, and can be quickly identified during the parsing process of the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway.

[0059] More preferably, in an exemplary embodiment, before the ARP packets advertised by the receiving test device within the VLAN: The auxiliary testing equipment is also used for: establishing a connection with the testing equipment; adding the ports connected to the two MLAG-Lite gateways to the link aggregation port, configuring the link aggregation port to send LLDP messages based on the member ports; and / or: The two MLAG-Lite gateways are also used for: establishing connections with auxiliary testing equipment based on the LACP protocol; configuring the same VLAN interface on the two MLAG-Lite gateways; and enabling the LLDP protocol on both MLAG-Lite gateways.

[0060] Specifically, in one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, before testing, the auxiliary test device is first connected to the test device (through the test port) as a traffic pass-through device according to the network setup environment. At the same time, a link aggregation group is established with the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway, and the link aggregation group is configured to send packets based on the member ports.

[0061] In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, before testing, according to the network setup environment, the auxiliary test device establishes a link aggregation group with two MLAG-Lite gateways (the first MLAG-Lite gateway and the second MLAG-Lite gateway), and configures the link aggregation group to send packets based on member ports. On the first and second MLAG-Lite gateways, the same VLANIF interface is configured as dual gateways, and the LLDP protocol is enabled to parse received LLDP packets.

[0062] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An ARP entry synchronization method, characterized in that, An auxiliary testing device is used in an MLAG-Lite testing system. The auxiliary testing device is dual-homed to two MLAG-Lite gateways and is connected to the testing device. The method includes: Receive ARP packets announced by the test device within the VLAN; the gateway address of the ARP packet is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; Encapsulate the characteristic information of the ARP message in the LLDP message; The LLDP message is sent to the two MLAG-Lite gateways through the link aggregation port within the VLAN.

2. The ARP entry synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The implementation method of encapsulating the characteristic information of the ARP packet in the LLDP packet includes: The characteristic information obtained from the ARP message, including the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address, is encapsulated in the LLDP message.

3. The ARP entry synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method also includes, prior to the ARP packets advertised by the receiving test device within the VLAN: Establish a connection with the test equipment; Add the ports connected to the two MLAG-Lite gateways to the link aggregation port, and configure the link aggregation port to send LLDP messages based on the member ports.

4. An ARP entry synchronization method, characterized in that, For any of the two MLAG-Lite gateways used in the MLAG-Lite testing system, the auxiliary testing device connects to the MLAG-Lite gateway through a member port of its link aggregation port. The method includes: Receive LLDP packets sent by the link aggregation port of the auxiliary testing device; the LLDP packets encapsulate the characteristic information of ARP packets advertised by the testing device within the VLAN; the gateway address of the ARP packets is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; The characteristic information of the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet is parsed and sent to the CPU for processing to generate ARP entries.

5. The ARP entry synchronization method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The characteristic information of the ARP packet encapsulated in the LLDP packet includes the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address.

6. The ARP entry synchronization method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes, prior to receiving the LLDP message sent from the member port of the link aggregation port of the auxiliary testing device: Establish a connection with auxiliary testing equipment based on the LACP protocol; Configure the same VLAN interface as another MLAG-Lite gateway; Enable the LLDP protocol.

7. An ARP entry synchronization method, characterized in that, An application is made in an MLAG-Lite testing system, the testing system including a test device, an auxiliary test device, and two MLAG-Lite gateways, wherein the test device is connected to the auxiliary test device, and the auxiliary test device is dual-homed to the two MLAG-Lite gateways; the method includes: The auxiliary testing device receives ARP packets announced by the testing device within the VLAN; the gateway address of the ARP packet is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; The auxiliary testing device encapsulates the characteristic information of the ARP packet in the LLDP packet and sends the LLDP packet to the two MLAG-Lite gateways through the link aggregation port in the VLAN. The two MLAG-Lite gateways receive the LLDP packets, parse the ARP packet information encapsulated in the LLDP packets, send it to the CPU for processing, and generate ARP entries.

8. The ARP entry synchronization method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The implementation method of encapsulating the characteristic information of the ARP packet in the LLDP packet includes: The characteristic information obtained from the ARP message, including the protocol type value, source MAC address, and source IP address, is encapsulated in the LLDP message.

9. The ARP entry synchronization method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps before the auxiliary testing device receives the ARP packets advertised by the testing device within the VLAN: The auxiliary testing device establishes a connection with the testing device; the auxiliary testing device adds the port connected to the two MLAG-Lite gateways to the link aggregation port, and configures the link aggregation port to send LLDP messages based on the member ports; and / or: The MLAG-Lite gateway establishes a connection with the auxiliary testing device based on the LACP protocol; the same VLAN interface is configured on both MLAG-Lite gateways; the LLDP protocol is enabled on both MLAG-Lite gateways.

10. The MLAG-Lite testing system, characterized in that, The system includes a test device, an auxiliary test device, and two MLAG-Lite gateways. The test device is connected to the auxiliary test device, and the auxiliary test device is dual-homed to the two MLAG-Lite gateways. The auxiliary testing device is used to receive ARP packets announced by the testing device within the VLAN, encapsulate the characteristic information of the ARP packets in LLDP packets, and send the LLDP packets to two MLAG-Lite gateways through the link aggregation port within the VLAN; wherein, the gateway address of the ARP packets is the IP address of the same VLAN interface configured by the two MLAG-Lite gateways; The two MLAG-Lite gateways are used to receive the LLDP packets and parse the feature information of the ARP packets encapsulated in the LLDP packets, send it to the CPU for processing, and generate ARP entries.

11. The MLAG-Lite testing system according to claim 10, characterized in that, Before the ARP packets advertised within the VLAN by the receiving test device: The auxiliary testing equipment is also used to establish a connection with the testing equipment; add the ports connected to the two MLAG-Lite gateways to the link aggregation port; configure the link aggregation port to send LLDP messages based on the member ports; and / or: The two MLAG-Lite gateways are also used to establish a connection with the auxiliary testing equipment based on the LACP protocol; configure the same VLAN interface on the two MLAG-Lite gateways; and enable the LLDP protocol on both MLAG-Lite gateways.

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