Logical Switches with Isolated Control Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network switch solutions are inflexible and unable to dynamically adapt to changing data-center needs, as they often require multiple hardware solutions and lack the ability to create multiple logical switches simultaneously, limiting their functionality and efficiency in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A network switch system utilizing a container-based approach to provide composable switches on-demand, allowing for the instantiation of multiple logical switches with isolated resources and protocol stacks, enabling true multi-tenant solutions and dynamic provisioning of software capabilities without the need for separate hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware switches are used to provide different capabilities, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal hardware switch platform that can dynamically instantiate multiple logical switches with different capabilities (edge connectivity, aggregation, core, etc.) through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware devices. This multi-functionality is achieved by loading different switch images and configuring logical switches on-demand, allowing a single physical device to perform multiple network functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments a single hardware switch into multiple logical switches, each with isolated control planes and protocol stacks. This segmentation allows different network functions to be separated into independent logical entities while sharing the same hardware resources, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality.
2Device complexity
If a single hardware switch is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide multiple logical switches and dynamic provisioning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic provisioning capabilities to a single hardware switch by allowing logical switches to be created, configured, and destroyed on-demand through software. The control plane can dynamically instantiate logical switches with specific capabilities as needed, and the system can adapt to changing network requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a software abstraction layer that creates multiple logical switches within a single physical device. This dimensional change from physical to logical separation enables the system to provide multi-tenant solutions and dynamic provisioning capabilities while maintaining hardware simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switch software stacks are loaded simultaneously, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but resource isolation and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switch software into isolated control planes and protocol stacks for each logical switch. Each logical switch has its own dedicated control plane that is isolated from others, preventing resource conflicts and improving reliability. This segmentation allows multiple switch capabilities to coexist without compromising resource isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mediator layer that manages resource allocation and isolation between multiple logical switches. This intermediary ensures that each logical switch has dedicated resources while sharing the underlying hardware platform, maintaining both adaptability and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An example system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a logical switch and a controller to dynamically instantiate the logical switch including a control plane isolated from other logical switches of the network switch system. The logical switch includes a protocol stack independent of and isolated from other logical switches of the network switch system.