Autonomous Link Aggregation Group Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems require manual configuration of link aggregation groups, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in complex network configurations with switch-level redundancy.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that autonomously configure link aggregation groups by detecting device connections across multiple switches using identifiers and periodically monitoring port connections, allowing for dynamic creation, management, and reconfiguration of these groups without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of link aggregation groups is used, then network redundancy is achieved, but time consumption and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables switches to automatically detect device connections and autonomously configure link aggregation groups without manual user intervention. The switches monitor connection identifiers, determine redundant paths, and dynamically create link aggregation groups themselves, eliminating the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining network redundancy.
2Reliability
If manual configuration of link aggregation groups is used, then network redundancy is achieved, but error probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic configuration system eliminates human error by having switches autonomously perform connection detection and link aggregation group configuration. The system uses connection identifiers to objectively determine device connections and automatically creates appropriate link aggregation groups, removing the possibility of manual configuration errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors connection identifiers and device connection status, using this feedback to dynamically adjust and maintain accurate link aggregation group configurations. This closed-loop approach ensures configuration accuracy by constantly verifying actual connection states against the configured topology.
3Productivity
If automatic configuration is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing switch capabilities and standard connection identifier protocols to enable self-service automation. By using already-present switch functions for connection detection and configuration, the system achieves automatic link aggregation group creation without requiring complex external automation infrastructure, thus limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a method, a system, and computer program product are disclosed for link aggregation group management. A method includes receiving an identifier from a device connected to a first port of a first switch, determining whether a second switch has a connection to the device on a first port of the second switch based on the identifier for the device, and autonomously configuring a link aggregation group comprising the first port of the first switch and the first port of the second switch in response to determining that the device is connected to the first port of the first switch and the first port of the second switch.