Device-Level Redundancy via Virtual Aggregator in LACP
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Solution Overview
Problem
The IEEE802.3AD standard limits Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) to only one Provider Edge (PE) being aggregated with a Customer Edge (CE) at a time, reducing device utilization and causing service interruptions during handovers, as it does not support device-level redundant protection.
Innovation Solution
Configuring identical parameters for Link Aggregation Groups on multiple devices and transmitting LACPDU messages to a Customer Edge to form virtual aggregators, allowing multiple PEs to be aggregated simultaneously and ensuring continuous service during device failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LACP aggregates multiple physical links to one logical link, then bandwidth and reliability are improved, but device-level redundancy protection is not achieved as only one PE can be aggregated with CE at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into two distinct aggregation modes: link-level aggregation (traditional LACP) and device-level aggregation (virtual aggregator). This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously support both single-PE link redundancy and multi-PE device redundancy by operating at different hierarchical levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of aggregation by allowing multiple PEs to be aggregated with a single CE simultaneously through virtual aggregators, breaking the traditional one-to-one PE-CE aggregation model and enabling multi-dimensional redundancy protection.
2Reliability
If only one PE is aggregated with CE at a time, then LACP standard compliance is maintained, but device utilization is reduced and service interruptions occur during handovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing multiple active aggregation links between CE and multiple PEs simultaneously. This allows the system to pre-configured backup paths and perform seamless failover without service interruption, as the backup PE is already in an active state ready to take over immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining multiple active aggregation links simultaneously, allowing data traffic to flow through multiple PEs at the same time. When a PE fails, the transition to backup PE is seamless without interrupting the continuous data flow, thus maintaining productivity and service continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple PEs are aggregated with CE simultaneously, then device utilization and redundancy are improved, but LACP standard compliance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual aggregator as an intermediary layer between the CE and multiple PEs. This virtual aggregator abstracts the complexity of multi-PE aggregation, allowing the CE to interact with a single logical entity while multiple physical PEs are coordinated behind the scenes, thus reducing the perceived complexity while enabling multi-PE aggregation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device-level redundancy protection method and system based on Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), wherein the method includes: configuring same parameters for the Link Aggregation Group (LAG) on a first device (LAGP1) and the LAG on a second device (LAGP2), and transmitting an LACP Data Unit (LACPDU) message carrying the parameters to the LAG on a customer edge (LAGC). After receiving the LACPDU message, the LAGC adds physical links respectively connected with the LAGP1 and the LAGP2 into the same Aggregator on the customer edge (AGGC). The LAGP1 and the LAGP2 respectively add physical links connected with the LAGC into the Aggregator of themselves to form a virtual Aggregator (AGGV). The customer edge performs message interactions with a server via the AGGC and AGGV.