Automatic Link Aggregation in Virtual Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual devices with redundant links suffer from traffic loss and underutilized bandwidth due to the reliance on hot standby links, which are only activated upon active link failures, and lack efficient aggregation of multiple connections for improved bandwidth utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where devices automatically discover and aggregate multiple links to form a link aggregation, enabling traffic transmission over multiple paths using load balancing techniques, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage and minimizing traffic disruption during link failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hot standby links are used for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical links between devices into a single logical link aggregation group. This allows multiple links to work simultaneously for data transmission instead of having standby links idle, thereby improving bandwidth utilization while maintaining redundancy. When one link fails, traffic is automatically redistributed across remaining links in the aggregation group.
2Loss of energy
If multiple links are aggregated manually, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic link aggregation where devices autonomously discover available links and form aggregation groups without manual configuration. The system self-manages the aggregation process, including link discovery, grouping, and traffic distribution, thereby improving bandwidth utilization while eliminating the complexity of manual setup and management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts link aggregation parameters based on real-time link status and traffic conditions. The system monitors link health and automatically reconfigures aggregation groups by adding or removing links as needed, allowing bandwidth utilization to optimize itself without requiring manual parameter changes or complex configuration management.
3Productivity
If automatic link aggregation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic link aggregation where devices autonomously discover available links and form aggregation groups without manual configuration. The system self-manages the aggregation process, including link discovery, grouping, and traffic distribution, thereby improving bandwidth utilization while eliminating the complexity of manual setup and management.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual device includes multiple devices connected to operate as a single device. A first one of the devices is configured to determine that the first device connects to a second one of the devices via a first link; identify a second link; determine that the second link connects the first device to the second device; and automatically aggregate the first link and the second link to form a link aggregation with the second device based on determining that the first device connects to the second device via both the first and second links. The first device is further configured to transmit packets to the second device via the first and second links of the link aggregation.