Link Aggregation Backup Port Diversion for Data Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional link aggregation methods in computer networks experience significant data loss when a data link fails, as the network controller disables the associated data port and prevents data forwarding, leading to trapped and lost data, with data loss durations often exceeding 100 ms.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for link aggregation that assigns a backup data port to each data port in the aggregated group, allowing data originally scheduled for forwarding by a scheduled data port to be diverted to the backup port upon detection of a failed data link, thereby mitigating data loss by enabling continued data transmission through the backup port until the failed link is restored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a data port is disabled upon detection of a failed data link, then link reliability is improved by preventing further data loss, but data forwarding is interrupted causing significant data loss duration exceeding 100 ms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-assigns backup data ports to each data port in the aggregated group before failures occur. When a link fails, the system can immediately switch to the pre-configured backup port without interruption, eliminating the 100+ ms downtime associated with conventional disable/switch sequences. This preliminary preparation of backup resources resolves the contradiction by enabling both reliability maintenance and continuous data forwarding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuous data forwarding capability by keeping backup ports in a ready state that can immediately take over when a primary port fails. Unlike conventional methods that interrupt forwarding to disable ports, this approach ensures uninterrupted data transmission through the aggregated group, maintaining useful action continuity while preserving link reliability through the backup mechanism.
2Loss of substance
If conventional link aggregation disables a data port upon link failure, then further data loss is prevented, but existing trapped data is lost and forwarding is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces backup data ports as intermediary elements that mediate between the failed primary port and the data forwarding function. When a link fails, the backup port acts as a mediator to continue forwarding data through alternative paths within the aggregated group, preventing both data loss and productivity interruption that would occur with direct port disabling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational state parameters of data ports within the aggregated group. Instead of transitioning a failed port from active to disabled (which causes data loss), the system changes the active/standby status parameters of backup ports, allowing them to become active and maintain data forwarding capability while the failed port is isolated, thus resolving both data loss and productivity concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device of link aggregation in computer networking, wherein data originally scheduled for forwarding by a scheduled data port are diverted for forwarding by a backup data port assigned to the scheduled data port upon detection that the scheduled data port is connected to a data link which is not capable of data traffic even though the data port is still a selected port.