Excluding Data Frames from Link Aggregation Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network switches often route data frames to incorrect functionalities within network interface controllers, leading to potential data frame loss or discard, as link aggregation groups (LAGs) determine port transmission independently and may route data frames incorrectly.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to identify the destination address of data frames upon ingress into a computing device, allowing direct routing to a port associated with the LAG instead of the LAG, ensuring correct destination reach and preventing data frame loss by populating an address table based on specified content presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data frames are routed through link aggregation groups (LAGs) to increase throughput and provide redundancy, then network reliability and bandwidth are improved, but data frames may be routed to incorrect functionalities within network interface controllers, leading to data frame loss or discard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining routing decisions before data frames enter the LAG. The network switch identifies destination addresses and makes routing determinations in advance, populating address tables with port mappings before data frames require transmission. This pre-determination ensures data frames are correctly directed to specific ports rather than being incorrectly routed within the LAG, preventing data frame loss while maintaining LAG benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of address tables that mediate between the LAG and destination network devices. The address table stores destination address to port mappings, acting as an intermediary lookup structure that resolves the conflict between LAG aggregation and correct functionality routing. When a data frame arrives, the switch consults this intermediary table to determine the correct port, ensuring data frames bypass incorrect LAG routing paths.
2Productivity
If LAGs determine port transmission independently, then redundancy and load balancing are improved, but data frames may be routed to incorrect functionalities, causing data frame discard
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary routing determination by populating address tables with destination address to port mappings before data frames require transmission. This pre-established routing information overrides independent LAG port determination, ensuring data frames are directed to correct ports while maintaining load balancing across multiple paths through the address table's port assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the routing decision process into two independent parts: the LAG handles load balancing and redundancy at the aggregation level, while the address table handles precise destination routing at the port level. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without conflict - the LAG distributes traffic across member ports for load balancing, while the address table ensures each data frame reaches the correct destination port.
3Device complexity
If address tables are not updated timely, then device complexity is reduced, but routing accuracy deteriorates, leading to incorrect data frame routing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor network conditions and trigger address table updates when necessary. When changes in network topology or destination mappings are detected, the feedback loop initiates updates to the address table, ensuring routing accuracy is maintained without requiring continuous updates. This feedback-driven approach updates the address table only when needed, balancing complexity and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The address table is updated periodically or event-driven rather than continuously, reducing unnecessary update operations. The system employs periodic refreshes or event-triggered updates (such as when topology changes are detected) to maintain routing accuracy while minimizing the complexity and overhead associated with constant table management. This periodic action ensures routing information remains current without excessive processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclose a computing device, method, and machine-readable storage medium to identify a destination address associated with a data frame upon ingress. Additionally, the computing device, method, and machine-readable storage medium exclude the data frame from a link aggregation group (LAG) based upon a determination to route the data frame to a port associated with the LAG.