Programmable Fabric Switch Load Balancing via RISE Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data center networks face challenges in operational efficiency and resource optimization due to bottlenecks in load balancing, particularly with traditional software-based load balancers that slow down network traffic and require significant resources, and lack a simple mechanism for gathering telemetry data and performing analytics across fabric switches.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network switch with programmable hardware that acts as a load balancer, using the RISE protocol for plug-and-play configuration and telemetry, allowing for automatic detection and configuration of devices, and distributing programming instructions across the fabric network to enhance scalability and efficiency, while eliminating the need for external appliances and reducing overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional software-based load balancers are used, then load balancing function is provided, but network traffic slows down and significant resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based load balancing with hardware-based load balancing using programmable network switches. The load balancing function is implemented in the data plane of the network switch, transforming a software-intensive operation into a hardware-accelerated process that operates at line rate without consuming significant CPU resources or slowing network traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch is designed to perform multiple functions including load balancing, telemetry collection, and analytics processing within a single device. The programmable fabric switch can be configured to act as a load balancer while simultaneously gathering telemetry data and performing analytics, eliminating the need for separate dedicated appliances for each function.
2Power
If traditional software-based load balancers are used, then load balancing function is provided, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the load balancing function with the network switch infrastructure. Instead of using a separate software-based load balancer that requires dedicated resources, the load balancing capability is integrated into the fabric switch's data plane, utilizing existing hardware resources for switching, forwarding, and packet processing to simultaneously handle load balancing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch autonomously performs load balancing operations without requiring external control plane intervention for each decision. The fabric switch uses embedded intelligence and programmable logic to automatically distribute traffic across available paths and resources, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external appliances are used for load balancing and telemetry, then specific functions are provided, but overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric network switch is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously perform load balancing, telemetry collection, analytics processing, and standard network switching operations. This universal device replaces multiple specialized external appliances, reducing system overhead while maintaining full functionality across all required operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functionality within the network switch using programmable logic and configurable fabric paths. Different functions (load balancing, telemetry, analytics) are implemented as separate programmable modules or services that can be independently configured and activated, allowing the single device to handle diverse functions without increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example, there is disclosed an example of a system and method for plug and play in a controller based network. Aspects of the embodiments are directed to a network switch of a fabric network, the network switch configured to detect a connection of a device to the network switch, the device compliant with a remote integrated services engine (RISE) protocol; receive, from the device, a programming instruction for switching compliant with the RISE protocol; and distribute the programming instruction to one or more other network switches of the fabric network.