Intermediate Switch Identification in Data Center Fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data center network switching fabrics, intermediate switches are challenging to identify within the fabric architecture due to insufficient information exchange during network discovery protocols, hindering the accurate mapping of network topology and configuration of virtual local area networks (VLANs).
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is implemented to identify intermediate switches using network discovery protocol data from TOR switches and hosts within a virtualization infrastructure, enabling the generation of a visualization model of the network topology and automatic configuration of VLANs by tracking and processing advertisement messages from both access and uplink ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network discovery protocol is implemented in traditional data center networks, then network topology discovery is enabled, but intermediate switches cannot be accurately identified due to insufficient information exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fabric manager as an intermediary component that collects, processes, and correlates network discovery protocol information from multiple sources (TOR switches and hosts). This intermediary aggregates scattered information that individual components cannot provide alone, enabling accurate identification of intermediate switches by matching neighbor information from different perspectives.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate switches are added to provide higher port density, then network connectivity is improved, but network topology mapping becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the fabric manager continuously collects network discovery protocol information from TOR switches and hosts, processes this information to identify intermediate switches, and uses this knowledge to improve network topology mapping. The system learns from the network's own operational data to progressively build an accurate topology model despite the added complexity of intermediate switches.
3Use of energy by moving object
If network discovery protocol messages are not forwarded by intermediate switches, then switch resource consumption is reduced, but topology information completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric manager serves as an intermediary that collects topology information from multiple sources (TOR switches and hosts) without requiring intermediate switches to forward discovery protocol messages. By gathering information from different vantage points and correlating it, the system reconstructs complete topology information without imposing additional resource consumption on intermediate switches.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to facilitate identification of intermediate switches within a network switching fabric is described. The system includes a processor and a machine readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to discover a host neighbor advertisement message received at a network virtualization infrastructure from an intermediary switch, receive a neighbor advertisement message from the intermediary switch via a top of rack (TOR) switch and identify a location of the intermediary switch within the network switching fabric based on the host neighbor advertisement message and the neighbor advertisement message.