Integrated Server Switching Fabric with ndOS Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network solutions, particularly multitier switching architectures, face challenges in efficiently distributing packets at Layer 2 and managing virtual networks, leading to inflexibility and complexity in managing traffic across multiple virtual machines and devices.
Innovation Solution
A distributed switch layer fabric system is implemented, utilizing a networking device system with a switch module, server, and switch controller, where the server includes a virtual CI1 driver and the switch controller includes a network device operating system (ndOS) program to control packet switching policies, enabling efficient packet switching and management across multiple switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multitier switching architectures are used to build the network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switching functions into a single integrated switch device that can handle both Layer 2 and Layer 3 traffic, eliminating the need for separate core switches, aggregation switches, and access switches. This consolidation maintains comprehensive network coverage while significantly reducing device complexity and management overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switch device performs multiple functions including Layer 2 switching, Layer 3 routing, VLAN management, and QoS policies within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the network to maintain versatility and adaptability while reducing the number of specialized devices needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multitier switching devices are used to distribute packets, then network reachability is improved, but packet distribution efficiency at Layer 2 deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a distributed control architecture where the single integrated switch divides network traffic handling into separate modular components: a fast path engine for efficient Layer 2 packet forwarding and a control plane for Layer 3 routing decisions. This segmentation maintains network reachability while optimizing packet distribution efficiency by keeping Layer 2 operations in the high-speed data path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual networks are added to accommodate virtual machines, then network versatility is improved, but traffic management flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic VLAN and VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding) configurations that can be programmatically created, modified, and deleted through APIs and automation tools. This dynamic approach allows virtual networks to be flexibly managed alongside physical networks, maintaining both versatility and ease of operation through software-defined networking capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for a switching server. One switching server includes a server, a switch module coupled to the server, and a switch controller coupled to the server and to the switch module. The server includes a processor executing an operating system that includes a network driver, and the network driver includes a first network device operating system (ndOS) program. Further, the switch module includes a switch fabric and input/output ports. The switch controller includes a processor and non-volatile storage, where the processor is configured to execute a second ndOS program. The first and second ndOS programs implement a global networking policy for a plurality of devices executing ndOS programs, the global networking policy including a definition for switching incoming packets through the plurality of devices executing the ndOS programs.