Cluster Actor Identifier for LACP Peering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cluster environments, link aggregation control protocol (LACP) communications between a cluster of intermediary devices and a non-cluster aware network device are complicated, especially when the non-cluster device is unaware of the link aggregation, leading to functional disruptions if nodes are added or removed.
Innovation Solution
A cluster-based actor identifier is generated and advertised using a unique Media Access Control (MAC) identifier derived from the cluster ID, ensuring consistent system view and maintaining LACP functionality even with node additions or removals, by designating an intermediary device as a cluster configuration coordinator and propagating the actor identifier within the cluster.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nodes in a cluster use individual system identifiers for LACP communications, then each node can independently manage link aggregation, but the non-cluster aware device cannot properly peer with the cluster and LACP becomes non-functional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the system identifiers of multiple cluster nodes into a single unified actor system id that is derived from the cluster id. This unified identifier is advertised by all nodes in the cluster to the non-cluster aware device, presenting a single system view that enables proper LACP peering while maintaining cluster flexibility and node independence.
2Reliability
If the cluster uses a unified actor system id derived from cluster id, then LACP functionality is maintained with non-cluster devices, but the system complexity increases due to identifier generation and propagation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cluster configuration coordinator as an intermediary component that generates the unified actor system id from the cluster id and propagates it to all cluster nodes. This coordinator simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex identifier management task, allowing individual nodes to simply receive and use the propagated identifier without needing to independently manage identifier generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual nodes are added or removed from the cluster, then cluster flexibility is improved, but LACP disruption occurs when nodes use individual system identifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for system identification from individual node identifiers to a cluster-level identifier. The actor system id is derived from the cluster id rather than individual node ids, so when nodes are added or removed, the cluster id remains constant and continues to represent the same logical system to the non-cluster aware device, preventing LACP disruption while allowing flexible node composition changes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for using a cluster-based actor identifier in link aggregation control protocol communications between an actor comprising an intermediary device of a cluster of intermediary devices and a non-cluster aware device. The system and methods include a cluster of intermediary devices in communication with a link aggregation control protocol enabled network device that is unaware of the cluster. A first intermediary device of the cluster generates an actor identifier, based on a cluster identifier that identifies the cluster, for each of the intermediary devices of the cluster to use as a system identifier for link aggregation control protocol communications and one or more intermediary devices transmit to the network device a link aggregation control protocol data unit that advertises the actor identifier as the system identifier for establishing a link aggregation between the cluster and the network device.