Edge Node MAC Address Resolution via Overlay Tunneling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale enterprise and data center networks spanning multiple geographical locations, deploying Layer 2 networks across Layer 3 connections is challenging due to the need for managing extensive MAC address forwarding tables, which leads to information capacity and storage pressure on edge nodes, limiting the implementation of Layer 2 services and dynamic resource allocation across sites.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an overlay network using techniques like Ethernet Virtualization Interconnection (EVI) and MAC-in-IP, where edge devices establish Layer 2 tunnels over Layer 3 networks, allowing for virtual Layer 2 connections between geographically dispersed sites, reducing the need for edge nodes to maintain remote MAC addresses and enabling transparent data forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Layer 2 networks are deployed across Layer 3 connections in large-scale enterprise networks, then Layer 2 services and dynamic resource allocation can be implemented across geographically dispersed sites, but edge nodes experience information capacity and storage pressure due to the need to manage extensive MAC address forwarding tables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Layer 2 forwarding function by introducing a control plane separation. Edge nodes no longer need to maintain complete MAC address forwarding tables for all remote sites. Instead, the control plane distributes only necessary forwarding information to data plane devices, dividing the burden of MAC address management between control plane nodes and data plane nodes. This segmentation reduces the storage pressure on edge nodes while maintaining Layer 2 service capabilities across distributed sites.
2Reliability
If edge nodes maintain extensive MAC address forwarding tables for remote sites, then accurate data forwarding can be achieved, but storage pressure and information capacity requirements on edge nodes increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control plane as an intermediary between the need for accurate forwarding and the limitation of edge node storage capacity. The control plane maintains the complete view of MAC address to site mappings and distributes only the necessary forwarding information to edge nodes and data plane devices. This intermediary approach ensures accurate data forwarding while preventing edge nodes from bearing the full storage burden of complete MAC address tables.
3Volume of stationary object
If Layer 2 tunnels are established over Layer 3 networks using overlay techniques, then storage pressure on edge nodes is reduced, but the complexity of network configuration and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated control plane functionality that performs self-service for overlay network configuration. The control plane automatically discovers sites, establishes Layer 2 tunnels over Layer 3 networks, and distributes forwarding information to edge nodes without requiring manual configuration. This self-service approach reduces the operational complexity and configuration burden on network administrators while enabling the storage-efficient overlay architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A first edge node in a first site network receives an Internet Protocol (IP) address resolving request packet from a device in the first site network. The first edge node replaces a source Media Access Control (MAC) address of an Ethernet frame header and a sender MAC address in a packet body of the IP address resolving request packet with the MAC address of the first edge node. The first edge node forwards the IP address resolving request packet to a second site network via a tunnel linking the first site network and the second site network.