Automatic ICCP and VLAN Provisioning on MC-LAG Inter-Chassis Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale computer networks, such as enterprise and data center networks, manual configuration of Inter-Control Center Communications Protocol (ICCP) and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) on Inter-Chassis Links (ICL) between Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation Group (MC-LAG) peer devices is cumbersome and scales poorly, especially when frequent changes occur.
Innovation Solution
The techniques enable automatic detection and provisioning of VLANs and ICCP parameters on ICL within MC-LAG, allowing network devices to configure and manage these settings automatically based on detected configurations, reducing the need for manual intervention and enhancing scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of ICCP and VLANs on ICL is used, then network control and security are maintained, but network management complexity increases and scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically provisions ICCP and VLAN configurations on the ICL without requiring manual administrator intervention. The network devices self-configure by detecting satellite device connections and automatically creating the necessary ICCP peer relationships and VLAN configurations, eliminating manual configuration steps while maintaining network control
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures ICCP and VLAN parameters on the ICL before satellite devices need to connect. By anticipating configuration needs and preparing the inter-chassis link in advance, the system enables immediate satellite device integration without manual configuration delays, improving scalability
2Productivity
If manual configuration of ICCP and VLANs on ICL is used, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device automatically detects when a satellite device connects to the MC-LAG and self-provisions the ICCP and VLAN configurations on the ICL without waiting for manual administrator input. This automated response eliminates configuration delays while maintaining accuracy through systematic detection and provisioning processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the ICL for satellite device connections and automatically triggers configuration provisioning when changes are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures configurations are created promptly in response to actual network events, reducing time loss while maintaining configuration accuracy through event-driven automation
3Ease of operation
If automatic detection and provisioning is implemented, then provisioning speed improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device performs automatic detection and provisioning of ICCP and VLAN configurations without requiring administrator intervention. The system monitors the ICL, detects satellite device connections, and automatically creates necessary configurations, making the process easy to operate while containing complexity within the automated system itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple configuration tasks (ICCP peer relationship creation, VLAN configuration, ICL setup) into a single automated provisioning process. By merging these previously separate manual configuration steps into one integrated automatic workflow, the system improves ease of operation while managing complexity through consolidation
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for automatic provisioning of inter-control center communications protocol (ICCP) and automatic provisioning of virtual local area networks (VLANs) on an inter-chassis link (ICL) between multi-chassis link aggregation group (MC-LAG) peer devices. The MC-LAG peer devices may comprise two network devices included in an MC-LAG that is multi-homed to each of a plurality of MC-LAG client devices. In one example, the disclosed techniques enable detection of one or more VLANs configured on a multi-homed interface of the MC-LAG, and automatic provisioning of the detected VLANs on the ICL within the MC-LAG. In another example, the disclosed techniques enable determination of one or more ICCP parameters from MC-LAG configuration information, and automatic provisioning of ICCP over the ICL according to the determined ICCP parameters. The MC-LAG may be included within an enterprise switch of an enterprise network or within a data center switch of a data center network.