Leaf-Switch Topology Discovery for Global DSF Path Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional networks fail to facilitate tracing packet paths, leading to ineffective measurement of network performance metrics such as latency, packet loss, and throughput, and inability to measure fabric link performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a topology discovery logic in leaf switches to detect adjacent devices, retrieve remote path data, and generate global network path data, enabling tracing of packet paths and monitoring network performance metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional networks are used without topology discovery, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The topology discovery function is segmented into separate components: path trace messages are separate from data traffic, topology discovery logic is separate from switching logic, and path data is collected separately from performance metrics. This allows the measurement capability to be added without significantly increasing the complexity of core network devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated path trace message acts as an intermediary carrier that transports topology information through the network without interfering with regular data traffic. This intermediary mechanism enables performance measurement while keeping the core switching fabric simple and unchanged.
2Loss of information
If packet path tracing is enabled, then network performance metrics can be measured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path trace message structure is designed to be universal and multi-functional: it can carry source/destination identifiers, traverse multiple network devices, collect path information at each hop, and return complete topology data. This single message type handles multiple functions without requiring separate mechanisms for each, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The path trace message is prepared in advance with source and destination identifiers before being injected into the network. This preliminary configuration allows the message to automatically traverse the correct path and collect information without requiring real-time decision-making at each network device, simplifying device operations.
3Measurement precision
If global fabric topology discovery is implemented, then packet path tracing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The path trace message is self-service in nature: it carries its own routing information (source and destination identifiers), automatically traverses the network path, collects path information at each device without external intervention, and returns the complete topology. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for complex centralized control or coordination between devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, networks, systems, methods, and processes for discovering a global fabric topology in a Disaggregated Scheduled Fabric (DSF) are described herein. A leaf switch can detect at least one adjacent spine switch connected to at least one system port. The leaf switch may generate local path data or adjacent device information associated with the at least one adjacent spine switch. The leaf switch can retrieve remote path data and may discover, based on the remote path data, at least one remote leaf switch connected to the at least one adjacent spine switch. The leaf switch can generate one or more network paths connecting to the at least one remote leaf switch. The leaf switch may also generate, based on the local path data and the remote path data, global network path data indictive of a plurality of network paths between a plurality of leaf switches in the DSF.