Automated LAG Configuration via Master-Slave Switch Hierarchy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching fabric configuration and management techniques are complex, time-consuming, and require external devices for management and control, leading to high operational overhead and costs, especially when configuring Link Aggregation Groups (LAGs) for data transfer between switch devices and endhost devices.
Innovation Solution
An Information Handling System (IHS) with a processing system and memory that includes an auto-LAG configuration engine, which receives endhost device information from slave switch devices, determines connections, and sends instructions to configure links within a LAG, allowing for automated LAG configuration without external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional switching fabric configuration techniques are used, then LAG configuration can be achieved, but the process is complex and time-consuming requiring external management devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling switch devices to automatically discover endhost devices and configure LAGs without external management devices. The master switch device receives endhost device information from slave switch devices, determines connections, and sends LAG instructions autonomously, eliminating the need for manual SDN controller intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having slave switch devices pre-discover and report endhost device information to the master switch device before LAG configuration. This advance information gathering enables the master switch to make informed configuration decisions without external intervention, reducing overall configuration time and complexity
2Reliability
If SDN techniques are used for switching fabric management, then control capabilities are improved, but configuration time increases and external devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the management and control functions from external SDN controllers and relocates them directly into the switch devices themselves. The master switch device performs LAG configuration and management tasks internally, eliminating the time delay and dependency on external SDN controller processing while maintaining reliable control
3Ease of operation
If external management devices are used for LAG configuration, then control operations can be performed, but operational overhead and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management and control operations directly into the switching fabric by having the master switch device perform LAG configuration based on information from slave switch devices. This integration eliminates the need for separate external management devices, reducing system overhead and complexity while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes
Data Source
AI summary
An automated Link Aggregation Group (LAG) configuration system includes a plurality of slave switch devices that are each coupled to an endhost device by at least one respective link. Each of the plurality of slave switch devices receives a Link Aggregation Group (LAG) communication from the endhost device, and forwards endhost device information in that LAG communication to a master switch device. The master switch device receives endhost device information from each of the plurality of slave switch devices and determines that each of the plurality of slave switch devices are coupled to the endhost device. In response, the master switch device sends a LAG instruction to each of the plurality of slave switch devices that causes the at least one respective link that couples each of the plurality of slave switch devices to the endhost device to be configured in a LAG.