E-TREE Network Communication Device MAC Learning Domain Merge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing E-TREE network architecture requires more hardware due to complex MAC address learning synchronization processing, limiting the number of paths and users that can be accommodated, as it uses two domains for asymmetric communication paths.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a processor that updates packet identifiers based on path connections, learns correspondence relationships between destination addresses and transmission ports, and discards packets to prohibit communication between terminal devices, reducing the need for hardware by using a single domain unit for MAC address learning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two domains are used for MAC address learning in asymmetric paths, then communication control between terminal devices is achieved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate domains (one for root-to-leaf direction and one for leaf-to-root direction) into a single domain for MAC address learning. This is achieved by implementing a unified MAC address learning mechanism that handles both communication directions within the same domain, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to control communication between terminal devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The single domain is designed to perform multiple functions: it learns MAC addresses for packets traveling in both root-to-leaf and leaf-to-root directions, and enforces communication policies for both directions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated domains for each communication direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two domains are used for MAC address learning, then asymmetric path communication is supported, but the number of accommodated paths and users is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the functionality of two domains into one, the patent increases the available hardware resources for handling user traffic. The unified domain can serve multiple paths and users more efficiently, thereby increasing the overall user capacity and number of accommodated paths in the E-TREE network.
3Measurement precision
If MAC address learning synchronization processing is executed between two domains, then learning accuracy is maintained, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization processing requirement by implementing a single domain that inherently maintains consistent MAC address learning without needing inter-domain synchronization. This eliminates the complex synchronization mechanism while preserving learning accuracy through the unified learning process.
4Measurement precision
If packet identifier updates are performed for both paths, then packet routing accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs packet identifier updates in advance based on the ingress port type (root port or leaf port). When a packet is received, the system immediately identifies the port type and applies the appropriate identifier update rule without requiring complex real-time analysis, thereby maintaining routing accuracy while minimizing processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a processor. The processor updates, when a port which is received a packet is connected to a first path or a second path, an identifier assigned to the packet from a value according to the path to a first value or a second value. The processor learns a correspondence relationship between a destination address of the packet and a transmission port by flooding the packet, and determines the transmission port based on the correspondence relationship. The processor updates, when the transmission port is connected to the first path or the second path, the identifier assigned to the packet of which the transmission port is determined to a value according to the first path or the second path. The processor discards the packet of which the identifier is updated to the second value by the first process and the transmission port is connected to the second path.