Distributed Switch Fabric with ndOS for Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network technologies face challenges in efficiently distributing packets across complex multitier switching architectures, particularly with the exponential growth of virtual machines, which requires efficient separation of traffic between virtual networks, and existing solutions are inflexible and difficult to manage.
Innovation Solution
A distributed switch layer fabric system is implemented, comprising a switch module, server, and switch controller with virtual network device operating system (ndOS) programs that manage packet switching policies and resource coherency, allowing for efficient packet distribution and virtual network management across multiple switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multitier switching devices are used to build the network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching function into two distinct parts: a control plane (running ndOS on servers) and a data plane (hardware switching in network devices). This segmentation allows the network to extend coverage through multiple devices while keeping individual device complexity low, as each device only needs to handle data forwarding without running complex switching logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The ndOS acts as an intermediary that runs on standard servers and communicates with network devices through standardized protocols. This intermediary layer provides centralized control and management functions, enabling complex multitier networks to be managed through a unified interface rather than requiring complex configuration on each switching device.
2Area of stationary object
If multitier switching devices are used to build the network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but management flexibility and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ndOS provides universal management capabilities that work across different network device types and vendors through standardized protocols. This allows administrators to manage diverse multitier networks with a single system, improving ease of operation while maintaining network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the ndOS on servers continuously monitors network state and dynamically adjusts switching policies. This automated feedback loop simplifies management by reducing manual configuration needs while maintaining comprehensive network coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual networks are added to handle exponential growth of virtual machines, then network capacity and versatility are improved, but traffic separation complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension for traffic separation by using virtual switching instances and logical segmentation within the ndOS, rather than relying solely on physical VLAN configurations. This allows multiple virtual networks to be managed through software-defined policies, increasing network capacity while reducing the complexity of traffic separation.
4Reliability
If hardware-based isolation and SLAs are implemented for virtual networks, then service reliability and performance guarantee are improved, but system complexity and resource management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hardware-based isolation mechanisms with software-defined virtual switching instances that run on standard servers. This substitution maintains service reliability and performance guarantees through virtualization while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for specialized hardware appliances.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for managing network switching. A network device operating system (ndOS) program includes instructions for exchanging switching policy regarding switching network packets in a plurality of ndOS devices having ndOS programs. The first ndOS program is executed in a first ndOS device, and the switching policy is exchanged with other ndOS programs via multicast messages. Further, the ndOS program includes instructions for exchanging resource control messages with the other ndOS devices to implement service level agreements in the switching fabric, where the ndOS switching devices cooperate to enforce the service level agreements. Further yet, the ndOS program includes instructions for receiving changes to the switching policy, and instructions for propagating the received changes to the switching policy via message exchange between the ndOS programs. The ndOS devices are managed as a single logical switch that spans the plurality of ndOS devices.