Host Verification at Optical Circuit Switch via MAC Address
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dynamic optical circuit switch (OCS) implementations in data centers, verifying host wiring to optical ports without pre-assigned IP addresses is challenging, as traditional methods rely on predetermined topologies and central database management, which are not applicable in dynamic networking environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a network control module (NCM) to transmit data packets containing MAC addresses to hosts, enabling verification of connectivity and powering up hosts through wake-on-LAN (WOL) packets, allowing for dynamic verification of host wiring to optical ports without requiring pre-configured IP addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional connectivity verification methods (ARP requests, ICMP requests) are used, then connectivity can be verified, but the method requires pre-assigned IP addresses and central database management which are not applicable in dynamic networking environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/IP-based verification system with an optical/MAC address-based verification system. Instead of using IP addresses and central databases, the system uses optical signals and MAC addresses to verify connectivity, enabling dynamic verification without pre-configured IP addresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism using wake-on-LAN packets as mediators between the optical circuit switch and host. These packets carry MAC addresses and enable verification without requiring direct IP address configuration or central database involvement.
2Reliability
If IP address configuration is required for connectivity verification, then verification can be performed using standard protocols, but the process cannot work in dynamic OCS implementations where wiring must be verified prior to IP address assignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs connectivity verification before IP address assignment by using wake-on-LAN packets that contain MAC addresses. This preliminary verification ensures proper wiring is confirmed before the host receives its IP address, eliminating the need for sequential IP configuration followed by verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the host respond to wake-on-LAN packets with acknowledgment signals that confirm connectivity verification. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable verification that the host can be reached and is properly wired before IP address assignment.
3Productivity
If manual wiring verification is performed, then connectivity can be confirmed, but the process is time-consuming and does not scale well in dynamic data center environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service verification where the host itself responds to wake-on-LAN packets with acknowledgment signals. This automated host response eliminates the need for manual wiring verification, allowing the system to automatically confirm connectivity without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the verification parameter from manual physical wiring inspection to automated optical signal transmission and MAC address verification. This parameter change enables rapid, automated verification that scales with the number of hosts in the data center.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of verifying connectivity between hosts and optical ports in a data center is disclosed herein. The system and method includes directing, at a network control module (NCM), an electrical packet switch operatively connected to an optical port of the optical circuit switch, to transmit a data packet containing a MAC address of a host connected to an optical port determined by the NCM, and receiving, at the NCM, a response from the host, wherein the response comprises an indication that the MAC address contained in the transmitted data packet corresponds to the MAC address of a network interface card (NIC) at the host, and a determination of whether the host connected to the optical port determined by the NCM has been powered up.