Dynamic VLAN Tagging for Network Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic VLAN implementations are limited to supporting only untagged VLANs, as tagged VLANs require pre-configuration for initial packet processing, rendering dynamic VLAN functionality useless when encountering tagged packets.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves enhancing network switches to dynamically tag VLANs by automatically creating and provisioning a VLAN in response to receipt and processing of already tagged packets, using techniques like QinQ and SVID tagging, enabling software L2-MAC-Learning mode, and modifying packets to include multiple VLAN tags for proper classification and forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional VLAN configuration methods are used, then VLANs can be established in advance with proper tagging, but dynamic VLAN creation for tagged packets is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating a dummy or catcher VLAN in advance for dynamic VLAN ports. This preliminary VLAN serves as a placeholder that allows the system to receive and process tagged packets before the actual dynamic VLAN is fully established, thereby enabling dynamic VLAN creation while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
A dummy or catcher VLAN acts as an intermediary between the incoming tagged packets and the final dynamic VLAN assignment. This intermediate VLAN allows packets to be initially routed and processed, enabling subsequent dynamic VLAN creation without requiring pre-configuration of the final VLAN structure
2Extent of automation
If a dummy or catcher VLAN is used for untagged packets, then dynamic VLAN assignment can be established, but tagged VLANs require pre-configuration which defeats the purpose of dynamic VLANs
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy or catcher VLAN is designed with multi-functionality to handle both untagged and tagged packets. By configuring the dummy VLAN to accept tagged packets and perform MAC address learning, the system achieves universal handling of different packet types, enabling automatic VLAN assignment for both untagged and tagged packets without requiring pre-configuration
3Reliability
If tagged VLANs are pre-configured, then initial packet processing can occur, but the dynamic VLAN feature becomes useless for tagged packets
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by enabling MAC address learning on the dummy VLAN, which automatically updates forwarding tables based on actual packet traffic. This dynamic learning process allows the system to adapt to tagged packets in real-time, maintaining reliable packet processing while enabling automatic dynamic VLAN provisioning without pre-configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, mechanisms, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for dynamically tagging VLANs. For example, in one embodiment such means include: means for receiving a packet having identified therein a source Media Access Control (MAC) address and a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) Identifier, wherein the VLAN identifier corresponds to a VLAN which is non-existent on a network switch; means for modifying the packet received to include two VLAN tags, a first VLAN tag corresponding to the VLAN identifier identified within the packet received and a second VLAN tag, distinct from the first; means for determining no forwarding database entry exists for the modified packet; and means for creating the VLAN on the network switch to handle received packets tagged with the VLAN identifier.