Layer-3 Ethernet Sub-Interface VLAN Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Ethernet switch configurations limit user flexibility and resource utilization, particularly in layer-3 Ethernet interfaces, due to reserved VLANs that cannot be reused and restricted VLAN ranges for user configurations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where layer-3 Ethernet interfaces and sub-interfaces are transformed into virtual interfaces using reserved VLANs, allowing multiple sub-interfaces to be configured with unique VLAN IDs and MAC addresses, enabling flexible packet transmission and isolation without requiring additional layer-2 isolation configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reserved VLANs are used for layer-3 Ethernet interfaces, then layer-3 routing functionality is enabled, but VLAN reuse is restricted and user configuration options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer-3 routing functionalityVSAvoidVLAN reuse and user configuration options

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments VLAN functionality by introducing sub-interfaces (VLANIF interfaces) that separate layer-3 routing functions from layer-2 VLAN configurations. This allows the physical VLAN to remain intact for layer-2 switching while virtual sub-interfaces provide layer-3 routing capabilities, enabling VLAN reuse across different interfaces without conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a virtual interface dimension above the physical VLAN layer. Instead of modifying the physical VLAN structure, it creates virtual sub-interfaces that operate in a higher logical dimension, allowing multiple routing interfaces to share the same physical VLAN while maintaining unique layer-3 identities through different sub-interface configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sub-interfaces are configured with unique VLAN IDs, then flexibility and packet isolation are enhanced, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and packet isolationVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic sub-interface number assignment based on the parent interface name and VLAN ID. The system automatically generates the sub-interface identifier (e.g., GigabitEthernet1/0/1.100) by combining the physical interface name with the VLAN ID, eliminating the need for manual configuration of sub-interface numbers and reducing configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration by automatically creating sub-interface objects and assigning them appropriate parameters before packet forwarding begins. The system pre-configures the sub-interface structure, MAC addresses, and VLAN associations in advance, so that users only need to specify high-level parameters without dealing with detailed interface setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If layer-2 isolation configurations are required, then packet security is improved, but configuration process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket securityVSAvoidconfiguration process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sub-interfaces as intermediary entities between layer-2 VLANs and layer-3 routing. These sub-interfaces automatically provide the necessary isolation and security by virtue of their virtual nature, eliminating the need for additional layer-2 isolation configurations. The sub-interface itself acts as the mediator that enforces packet boundaries and security policies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9219698B2Providing a layer-3 interface

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Providing a VLAN virtual interface of a default VLAN as a VLAN virtual interface of a layer-3 Ethernet interface provided on an apparatus, assigning an interface MAC address for the layer-3 Ethernet interface, setting a layer-3 interface entry including at least the interface MAC address of the layer-3 Ethernet interface and a VLAN ID of the default VLAN, providing a VLAN virtual interface of a layer-3 Ethernet sub-interface provided on the apparatus based on a binding VLAN of the layer-3 Ethernet sub-interface, assigning an interface MAC address to the layer-3 Ethernet sub-interface, setting a layer-3 sub-interface entry including at least the interface MAC address of the layer-3 Ethernet sub-interface and a VLAN ID of the binding VLAN, receiving a packet from one interface of the apparatus, and performing layer-3 forwarding for the packet if the layer-3 interface entry or the layer-3 interface entry matching with a destination MAC address and a VLAN ID of the packet.