Cluster Slot Sharing for Lower-Cost Flexible Service Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cluster devices are costly due to the high costs associated with the transfer units and the lack of flexibility in configuring service boards and transfer boards, which affects their efficiency and networking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The service board and cluster transfer board share a slot, allowing for flexible configuration and reducing costs by accommodating either a service board or a cluster transfer board, with the option to remove the transfer board when used independently, and incorporating shared slots and cross units for improved forwarding and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cluster device includes both service boards and transfer boards, then networking capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is designed to accommodate either a service board or a cluster transfer board, making the slot universal. This allows the same physical slot to serve different functions depending on what board is installed, enabling flexible configuration without requiring separate dedicated slots for each board type, thereby reducing overall device cost while maintaining networking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where the same slot can be occupied by different board types (service board or transfer board) depending on the networking requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to adjust its functionality based on whether it needs to operate independently or as part of a cluster, optimizing the balance between cost and capability
2Ease of manufacture
If a cluster device operates as an independent device, then device cost is reduced, but service signal processing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic configuration where the slot can accommodate a service board when operating independently, or a cluster transfer board when part of a cluster. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to optimize its configuration based on operational mode, maintaining full service signal processing capability when needed while reducing cost when operating independently
Solution Approach 2:
The universal slot design allows the same physical space to serve different purposes based on operational requirements. When operating independently, the slot can hold a service board for full processing capability, or a cluster transfer board for cluster operation, making the device versatile across different deployment scenarios
3Productivity
If multiple service boards are added to improve processing capability, then service signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functional modules (service boards, switch boards, transfer boards) that can be independently configured and installed in specific slots. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve high processing capability by adding service boards without increasing overall device complexity, as each board is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a cluster device includes a first service board, a switch board, and a first slot. The first service board is configured to receive a service signal, and transmit the service signal to the switch board. The switch board is connected to the first slot through a first switching signal connection apparatus. The first slot is used to accommodate one of a second service board and a first cluster transfer board. The first cluster transfer board includes a plurality of ports. A first port in the plurality of ports is connected to another cluster device. The switch board is configured to transmit the service signal to the second service board or the first cluster transfer board through the first switching signal connection apparatus.