Communication Device MC-LAG Port Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks using multi-chassis link aggregation (MC-LAG), the configuration requires a large number of ports for cross-coupling, limiting network flexibility and increasing vulnerability to communication line failures when cross-coupling is omitted.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a processor that manages packet transfer across multiple communication lines, detects failures, and shuts down ports to reroute traffic, reducing the need for cross-coupling and enhancing redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cross-coupling is implemented in MC-LAG configuration, then communication redundancy is improved, but the number of ports required increases and network flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cross-coupling function from the traditional MC-LAG configuration and implements it through logical routing rules instead of physical port connections. The first communication device determines whether to forward packets to the second communication device based on destination address matching with MAC address tables, eliminating the need for dedicated cross-coupling ports while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the communication ports universal by enabling them to serve multiple functions: regular data transmission, failure detection, and dynamic routing. The same ports used for standard communication can adaptively route packets through alternative paths when failures are detected, eliminating the need for separate cross-coupling ports.
2Reliability
If the number of ports for cross-coupling is increased, then communication redundancy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing ports through dynamic routing rules rather than adding physical ports. The first processor modifies packet forwarding behavior based on destination address matching with MAC address tables, achieving redundancy through software-based parameter changes instead of hardware expansion.
3Device complexity
If cross-coupling is omitted to reduce ports, then device complexity is reduced, but vulnerability to communication line failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic failure detection and adaptive routing. The first processor continuously monitors communication status by attempting to transmit packets and detecting failures when no response is received. Upon detecting a failure in the second communication line, the system dynamically switches to alternative routing through the third and fifth communication lines, providing failure resistance without cross-coupling ports.
4Reliability
If alternative routing is implemented upon failure detection, then communication continuity is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements rapid failure detection by attempting to transmit test packets and immediately detecting failures when no response is received within a short time window. The system rushes through the failure detection process and quickly switches to alternative routing paths, minimizing the time loss associated with failure detection and path switching.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device redundantly configured with another communication device includes: a first port configured to transmit a packet through a second communication line configuring link aggregation with a first communication line of the other communication device; a second port configured to transmit and receive a packet through a fourth communication line configuring link aggregation with a third communication line of the other communication device; a third port configured to transmit a packet to the other communication device through a fifth communication line; and a first processor configured to: transfer a packet received by the second port to the first port or the third port; detect a failure of the second communication line; detect a failure of the fifth communication line; and shut down the second port when detecting the failure of the second communication line and the failure of the fifth communication line.