Link Multiplexing Switch for AGID-Based Test Packet Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network test systems face challenges in efficiently aggregating and forwarding test packets from multiple traffic generators to a system under test, particularly when responses are received via different ports, leading to issues with packet routing and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A network switch is used to aggregate test packets from multiple traffic generators by incorporating aggregation identifiers (AGIDs) or embedded routing information (ERIs) into packets, with corresponding forwarding rules to ensure packets are forwarded to the correct egress port, enabling high throughput and congestion mitigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple traffic generators are used to generate test packets, then packet throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet aggregation function by introducing aggregation identifiers (AGIDs) that group packets from multiple traffic generators into distinct aggregates. Each AGID corresponds to a specific egress port, allowing the network switch to efficiently segment and forward packets without requiring complex crossbar switching fabric, thereby maintaining high throughput while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces aggregation identifiers (AGIDs) as an intermediary mechanism between multiple traffic generators and the network switch. These AGIDs serve as mediators that carry routing information, enabling the switch to forward packets to the correct egress ports without requiring complex switching logic, thus improving throughput while keeping the switch design simple
2Productivity
If packets are aggregated from multiple traffic generators, then productivity is improved, but packet routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding aggregation identifiers (AGIDs) into packets at the traffic generator stage before packets enter the network switch. This pre-tagging approach allows the switch to perform simple lookup and forwarding based on pre-computed AGIDs, eliminating the need for complex real-time routing decisions and thereby improving aggregation efficiency while reducing routing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the packet parameter by adding aggregation identifiers (AGIDs) that encode egress port information. This parameter change transforms the routing problem from requiring complex multi-dimensional switching logic to simple AGID-based lookup and forwarding, thereby improving packet aggregation efficiency while reducing routing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If test packet responses are received via multiple ports, then adaptability is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the same aggregation identifier (AGID) mechanism for both outgoing test packets and incoming responses. When responses arrive at the network switch, the switch uses the destination AGID to determine which traffic generator should receive the response, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically routes responses back to their origins without complex routing logic
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for link multiplexing and forwarding packets in a test environment are disclosed. One example method occurs at a network switch comprising a first plurality of ports and a second plurality of ports, wherein each of the first plurality of ports is connected to one of a plurality of traffic generators and each of the second plurality of ports is connected to a system under test (SUT). The method comprises receiving, by the network switch, test packets via the first plurality of ports, wherein a first portion of the test packets includes a first aggregation identifier associated with a first egress port of the second plurality of ports; and forwarding, using the first aggregation identifier and at least one corresponding egress forwarding rule, the first portion of the test packets via the first egress port toward the SUT.