Centralized RSCN Distribution in FCoE Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing virtualization requirements in Fibre Channel Over Ethernet (FCoE) networks lead to a heavy traffic load and high processing pressure due to the need for Registered State Change Notifications (RSCNs) being sent to multiple Virtual Node Ports (VN_Ports) upon state changes, causing network congestion.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a centralized RSCN message method where the Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) Forwarder (FCF) sends a single RSCN to an Ethernet Node (ENode) which then distributes the notification to the relevant VN_Ports based on pre-stored state change types, reducing the number of RSCNs and alleviating network traffic burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RSCN is sent to all registered VN_Ports when a state change is detected, then all VN_Ports receive timely notifications, but network traffic load and device processing pressure increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification delivery completenessVSAvoidRSCN message quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple RSCN notifications into a single consolidated notification. When multiple VN_Ports are registered to the same ENode and a state change occurs, instead of sending separate RSCNs to each VN_Port, the system sends one RSCN to the ENode which then distributes it to all relevant VN_Ports. This combining approach maintains complete notification delivery while significantly reducing the total number of RSCN messages in the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ENode acts as an intermediary between the FCF and multiple VN_Ports. The FCF sends RSCN to the ENode, which then forwards the notification to the appropriate VN_Ports. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain reliable notification delivery to all VN_Ports while reducing the message quantity by having the ENode handle the distribution rather than requiring direct separate communications from the FCF to each VN_Port.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple RSCNs are transmitted to different VN_Ports simultaneously, then notification coverage is comprehensive, but network congestion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification coverageVSAvoidnetwork congestion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple RSCN transmissions into a single transmission to the ENode. By merging the notification path through the ENode, the system achieves comprehensive notification coverage for all VN_Ports while preventing network congestion that would result from multiple simultaneous RSCN transmissions across the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the notification delivery process into two stages: first, a single RSCN is sent from the FCF to the ENode; second, the ENode segments and distributes the notification to individual VN_Ports. This segmentation approach reduces network congestion on the primary transmission path while ensuring comprehensive coverage at the destination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If RSCN is sent to each VN_Port individually, then processing accuracy is maintained, but device processing pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification processing accuracyVSAvoiddevice processing power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The ENode serves as an intermediary that handles the processing burden of distributing RSCNs to multiple VN_Ports. The FCF only needs to send one RSCN to the ENode, reducing its processing power consumption. The ENode then handles the distribution to VN_Ports, maintaining processing accuracy while balancing the power consumption across the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the processing function for multiple VN_Ports into a single ENode instance. Instead of each VN_Port independently receiving and processing separate RSCNs from the FCF, the ENode consolidates the processing function, reducing overall device processing power consumption while maintaining notification processing accuracy through its intelligent distribution mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3179678B1RSCN notification method, related device and computer storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.10.30 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

Disclosed are a RSCN method and system, a related device and a computer storage medium. The RSCN method applied to an Ethernet Node (ENode) device includes that: an RSCN message is received; and when it is determined that destination Media Access Control (MAC) contained in the RSCN message is ENode MAC, the RSCN message is distributed to a corresponding Virtual Node Port (VN_Port). The RSCN method applied to a Fibre Channel Over Ethernet (FCoE) Forwarder (FCF) includes that: network detection is performed; and when it is detected that a state to which attention is paid in a network changes, a first RSCN message is sent to an ENode device which pays attention to such a state change and succeeds in centralized notification capability negotiation with the FCF, destination MAC contained in the first RSCN message being ENode MAC. Disclosed are an ENode device, an FCF and an RSCN system.