Hardware-Assisted Data Path Switchover for Redundant Forwarding Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current switchover techniques in network devices with redundant forwarding components suffer from latency and delays, leading to packet loss and wastage of computing and network resources due to serial updates and reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A network device architecture that allows simultaneous switching of data paths for multiple physical interface cards to a new active forwarding component using a single software or hardware-triggered operation, separating data path and control path failover communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serial updating of each PIC with new active forwarding component information is performed, then individual PIC configuration is ensured, but switchover latency increases and packet loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the individual PIC update operations into a single centralized update mechanism. The control unit updates all PICs simultaneously through a unified data structure that contains forwarding component information for all PICs, eliminating the need for sequential individual updates and reducing switchover latency while maintaining proper configuration for each PIC
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring backup forwarding components and maintaining updated forwarding component information in advance. The control unit keeps a current data structure with forwarding component information ready before failures occur, enabling immediate switchover without waiting for individual PIC detection and configuration
2Reliability
If serial updating of PICs and reestablishment of data paths is performed, then proper data path configuration is achieved, but packet loss and resource wastage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing backup data paths and maintaining current forwarding component information in the control unit before failures occur. When a failure is detected, the pre-configured backup paths are immediately activated without interruption to data flow, preventing packet loss while ensuring proper data path configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing seamless failover mechanisms where backup forwarding components and data paths are already prepared and can take over immediately upon failure detection. This continuous operation eliminates interruptions in data forwarding, preventing packet loss while maintaining proper configuration
3Reliability
If control paths are re-established after switchover, then proper control communication is ensured, but additional latency and delays are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring control path information in the current data structure maintained by the control unit. When switchover is needed, the control unit already has the necessary control communication information ready, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-switchover re-establishment of control paths
Data Source
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AI summary
A network device may receive packets, wherein the network device includes a first routing component, a second routing component, a first forwarding component, a second forwarding component, and a physical interface card concentrator with multiple physical interface cards. The first routing component may provide, to the physical interface card concentrator, a signal indicating that the second forwarding component is to be an active forwarding component. The physical interface card concentrator may cause, based on the signal, a data path for the multiple physical interface cards to be switched from the first forwarding component to the second forwarding component. The first routing component may provide the packets to the second forwarding component. The second forwarding component may provide the packets to the multiple physical interface cards via the data path. The multiple physical interface cards may forward the packets toward destinations associated with the packets.