Link Aggregation Node Role Assignment for Multi-Chassis Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-chassis link aggregation systems have limited interoperability with other equipment and are complex to extend beyond four nodes, as they do not effectively address redundancy and failure protection in networks with multiple interconnected devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating network nodes in a link aggregation system that involves sending and receiving control messages to determine active and standby modes based on connectivity and priority, allowing for dynamic adjustment of node roles and indicating isolation status to prevent selection of non-connected nodes, thereby enhancing redundancy and failover protection in multi-chassis link aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-chassis link aggregation is implemented with fixed master-slave roles, then redundancy and failover protection are provided, but interoperability with other equipment is limited and system complexity increases when extending beyond four nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where network nodes can transition between active and standby modes based on real-time connectivity status. Nodes determine their operational mode by exchanging control messages and assessing their connectivity to active nodes, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions rather than relying on fixed master-slave designations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of nodes from static role assignment to dynamic state selection. Nodes modify their operational mode (active/standby) based on connectivity parameters determined through control message exchanges, enabling the system to maintain reliability while improving adaptability to different network configurations and equipment.
2Reliability
If multi-chassis link aggregation is extended to more than four nodes, then network redundancy is enhanced, but system complexity and difficulty of extension increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control logic into standardized procedures that each node independently executes. Nodes exchange control messages following defined protocols to determine connectivity status and operational modes, allowing the system to scale to any number of nodes without requiring complex centralized control or proprietary configurations for each specific topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The control message exchange mechanism serves multiple functions: determining connectivity status, identifying active nodes, assessing isolation conditions, and coordinating role assignment. This universal approach allows the same basic protocol to handle various network configurations and node counts, reducing system complexity while enhancing redundancy.
3Ease of operation
If nodes operate independently without connectivity verification, then system operation is simplified, but isolated nodes may be selected leading to network failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary connectivity verification through control message exchanges before nodes assume active operational roles. Nodes assess their connectivity status and identify active nodes in advance, ensuring that only properly connected nodes are selected for active duty, thereby preventing isolation-related failures while maintaining relatively simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from control message exchanges to determine node connectivity status and operational suitability. Nodes continuously monitor their ability to receive and send control messages, using this feedback to adjust their operational mode and prevent selection as active nodes when isolated, thus maintaining reliability without significantly complicating operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of operating a network node configured as part of a link aggregation system. The system includes a plurality of first network nodes and a plurality of second network nodes for providing connectivity to first and second networks respectively, and a plurality of links between the first network nodes and the second network nodes. The network node is configured as one of the first network nodes.The network node may be set in one of an active operation mode and a standby operation mode based at least in part on a comparison of a priority with one or more received priorities. The priority may be based on connectivity to an active second network node or links available for selection. The network node may determine that it is isolated from the first network and indicate that isolation in control messages sent to second network nodes.