Layer 2 Edge Network Traffic Forwarding via Access Server Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data center edge networks, traffic forwarding often relies on gateway devices, which can lead to longer paths and increased delays, especially for inter-VLAN communications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that establishes forwarding information including destination IP address, MAC address, VLAN ID, and device ID to facilitate traffic forwarding directly between sender and recipient devices without involving the gateway device, utilizing access server devices to determine and modify message paths for efficient shortest hop forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic forwarding uses gateway devices for inter-VLAN communications, then routing control and security management are improved, but forwarding path length increases and delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network forwarding function is segmented into two parts: routing control (performed by gateway devices) and actual traffic forwarding (performed by access server devices). The gateway device determines the destination VLAN and forwards the frame to the appropriate access server device, which then performs the actual forwarding to the destination port. This segmentation allows routing control to be maintained while enabling direct forwarding paths that reduce delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The access server device acts as an intermediary between the gateway device and the destination device. It receives frames from the gateway device, performs local forwarding based on destination port information, and eliminates the need for frames to traverse back through the gateway device. This intermediary role enables direct forwarding while maintaining gateway-controlled routing policies.
2Ease of operation
If traffic forwarding uses gateway devices, then centralized routing control is achieved, but network efficiency and productivity deteriorate due to longer paths
Solution Approach 1:
The network function is divided into routing control (gateway device) and forwarding execution (access server device). The gateway device maintains the routing table and makes forwarding decisions, while access server devices execute the actual forwarding operations. This segmentation enables centralized control without requiring all traffic to physically traverse through the gateway device, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving network efficiency.
3Loss of time
If direct forwarding between access server devices is implemented, then forwarding delay is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional forwarding information requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The access server device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standard network switch and as a forwarding node in the shortest-hop forwarding path. It maintains a forwarding information table that includes destination VLAN ID, destination device ID, and destination port information, allowing it to perform both traditional switching and direct inter-VLAN forwarding functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device performs preliminary actions by determining the destination VLAN and selecting the appropriate access server device before the frame reaches the access server. The access server device pre-establishes forwarding information tables that map destination device IDs and VLANs to specific ports, enabling rapid direct forwarding without complex real-time calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and network devices are provided for forwarding a message in a layer 2 edge network that includes an access server device connected to sender and gateway devices. Forwarding information including destination IP address, destination MAC address, destination VLAN ID and destination device ID is established. A message is received by the access server device from the sender device. The message includes first destination MAC address, first destination IP address, first destination VLAN ID, and first destination device ID. When the first destination MAC address of a received message is a MAC address of the gateway device, the received message is forwarded according to the first destination MAC address, first destination VLAN ID and first destination device ID. Otherwise the message is modified and forwarded according to second destination MAC address, second destination VLAN ID, and second destination device ID determined to be associated with the first destination IP address.