Indirect Stack-Link Recovery for Forwarding Device Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
A network cluster's communication is disrupted when all stack links between forwarding devices fail, leading to system restarts and instability.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine a target network device for indirect communication between forwarding devices via an aggregated stack link, using system topology tables and preset rules to maintain connectivity through network devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stack links are bundled to form an aggregated link for redundancy, then link stability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to complete communication failure when all stack links fail simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third party (another forwarding device or network device) as an intermediary to enable indirect communication between forwarding devices when direct stack links fail. This mediator allows the system to maintain communication functionality through alternative paths, resolving the contradiction between link stability and communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional direct communication through stack links to three-dimensional communication by introducing intermediate nodes. This dimensional expansion allows forwarding devices to communicate indirectly through other devices, providing communication flexibility while maintaining link stability through redundant paths.
2Reliability
If all stack links between forwarding devices are made redundant, then fault tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection and determination of target communication paths before complete stack link failure occurs. By pre-establishing alternative communication routes and detecting potential failures, the system can switch to backup paths proactively, improving fault tolerance without requiring excessive redundancy that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic path selection capability where the system can adaptively choose communication paths based on real-time link status. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain fault tolerance by switching between direct and indirect paths as needed, avoiding the need for static over-engineered redundant structures that would increase complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure a fault processing method, a network element, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are provided. The method may include: determining a target network device from the at least one network device in response to detecting that an aggregated stack link is in a disconnected state, where the target network device is in communication connection with a first forwarding device and a second forwarding device respectively; and performing data communication with the second forwarding device through the target network device.