LLDP Packet Encoding for Virtual Ethernet Bridge Topology Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in link layer discovery across virtual Ethernet bridges, as management consoles cannot see beyond these bridges and cannot transmit or collect Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) messages, limiting network topology knowledge and leading to potential outages and inefficient port usage.
Innovation Solution
An information handling system with a network interface configured to capture and encode LLDP packets with extended discovery protocol information, including details about physical and virtual functions and ports, allowing for enhanced management and discovery capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a VEB is used for virtualization to share PCIe hardware interfaces, then resource utilization and virtualization capability are improved, but network topology discovery capability deteriorates because the VEB cannot transmit or collect LLDP messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (LLDP transmission mechanism) that bridges the gap between virtualized network functions and network management systems. This intermediary captures LLDP messages at the VEB level and forwards them to the management console, enabling topology discovery without compromising the VEB's virtualization function. The intermediary acts as a mediator that translates the VEB's limited capabilities into full network visibility for management purposes.
2Device complexity
If a VEB acts as a dumb switch without implementing LLDP and SNMP, then device simplicity and performance are improved, but management capability and network visibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management functions by separating LLDP message handling from the core VEB forwarding plane. The VEB maintains its simple dumb switch behavior for data traffic while a separate management plane component handles LLDP message capture and forwarding. This segmentation allows the VEB to remain simple and performant while gaining enhanced management capabilities through the dedicated LLDP handling component.
3Reliability
If LLDP messages are filtered at the VEB level, then virtual machine isolation and security are improved, but network topology visibility and management capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and forwarding LLDP messages at the VEB level before they would be filtered or lost. By proactively intercepting these management protocol messages at the point where virtualization occurs, the system preserves topology information while maintaining VM isolation for actual data traffic. The preliminary capture of LLDP messages ensures that management visibility is established before any filtering decisions are made.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a host system comprising a host system processor and a network interface coupled to the host system processor and may include a management controller communicatively coupled to the host system processor and configured to provide management of the information handling system. The network interface may be configured to capture discovery protocol packets and encode the discovery protocol packets with extended discovery protocol information comprising information regarding physical functions, virtual functions, and ports associated with the discovery protocol packets.