Flexible Network Interface Generation via Profile Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing network device interface configuration systems tie functional interface identifiers to physical lane identifiers, which are inflexible and inefficient, making it difficult to customize interface naming conventions independently of physical structures, especially in dynamic networking environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of port and module profiles allows for flexible interface identifier assignment, enabling customizable interface identifiers that are independent of physical lane configurations, using port profiles to configure interfaces on individual ports and module profiles to manage multiple ports across modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functional interface identifiers are tied to physical lane identifiers, then the configuration system maintains simplicity and direct mapping, but the system loses flexibility and cannot customize interface naming independently of physical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces profile data structures as intermediary elements between physical lane identifiers and functional interface identifiers. These profiles contain mapping relationships that allow interface identifiers to be assigned independently from physical lane identifiers, enabling customization without direct coupling. The profile acts as a mediator that decouples the naming convention from the physical structure while maintaining the necessary associations.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system is segmented into separate components: physical lane identifiers, profile data structures containing mapping relationships, and functional interface identifiers. This segmentation allows each component to be managed and modified independently, enabling flexible interface naming without changing the underlying physical structure or complicating the overall system.
2Ease of operation
If interface identifiers are independently customizable from physical lane identifiers, then naming flexibility improves, but the complexity of managing interface configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The profile data structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores mapping relationships between physical and functional identifiers, provides a template for interface configuration, and enables batch configuration of multiple interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate management mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Profile data structures are prepared in advance with predefined mapping relationships and configuration parameters. This preliminary action allows operators to quickly apply configurations without manually setting each parameter, significantly improving ease of operation while the profiles themselves manage the complexity internally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If port profiles and module profiles are implemented for flexible interface assignment, then interface configuration flexibility improves, but the system structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the configuration system with module profiles at one level and port profiles at another level. This dimensional organization allows complex interface assignments to be managed through structured layers, where module profiles define broader configurations and port profiles provide specific mappings. The hierarchical structure organizes complexity rather than simply adding to it, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable system structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device may include a number of ports each having one or more physical lanes. These physical lanes of the port may be used to implement interfaces through which the network device can communicate internally and/or with external equipment. Control circuitry on the network device may flexibly generate the interfaces to be identifiable in a manner independent of the physical lanes on which they are implemented. The control circuitry may use port profiles and/or module profile to generate the interfaces, if desired, and/or may receive user input usable to generate the interfaces.