IRF Stack Link Traffic Forwarding via Virtual Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In an Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) system, traffic flow between virtual devices (VDs) is hindered due to the lack of shared forwarding entries across member devices, as each forwarding chip belongs exclusively to a managing VD, preventing data plane transmission across member devices.
Innovation Solution
Each member device is allocated to at least two VDs, with multiple stack links configured among interface boards, allowing interface boards to forward service messages across member devices by using forwarding entries specific to their corresponding VD, and managing VD configures and manages these entries for seamless transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each forwarding chip belongs exclusively to a managing VD, then resource isolation and security are improved, but data plane transmission across member devices is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding functionality by creating separate forwarding instances for each virtual device on the interface board. Each VD gets its own forwarding entry set, allowing independent forwarding decisions while maintaining physical resource sharing. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both isolation (each VD has dedicated forwarding logic) and transmission (forwarding entries enable data plane flow across member devices).
Solution Approach 2:
The interface board is designed to serve multiple VDs simultaneously by hosting forwarding instances for each VD. The same physical interface board can forward traffic for multiple different virtual devices, making it a universal resource that satisfies both the isolation requirement (separate forwarding logic per VD) and the transmission requirement (shared physical infrastructure enabling cross-member-device communication).
2Device complexity
If stack links are shared by all VDs, then system complexity is reduced, but traffic flow forwarding between different VDs cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by associating specific forwarding entries with specific VDs on the interface board. Each VD receives forwarding entries tailored to its traffic requirements, enabling precise control over which traffic flows are permitted. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain simple shared stack link infrastructure while achieving complex per-VD traffic flow control through localized forwarding entry configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and member device for forwarding service messages in an Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) system and an IRF system. In the method, each member device in the IRF system is allocated to at least two virtual devices, and at least one stack link for each virtual device is configured in order to connect interface boards among different member devices. When it is determined according to a forwarding entry of an interface board in a first member device receiving a service message that the service message is to be transmitted to a second member device, the service message is forwarded via the at least one stack link configured for the virtual device of that interface board.