Master Election Protocol for Ring Topology Ethernet Stacks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing master election and configuration unification processes in stacked Ethernet switch networks fail to handle multiple faults effectively, particularly in ring topologies, leading to broken stacks and prolonged reboot times that disrupt network communications.
Innovation Solution
A master election protocol that transmits and receives master proposal data packets across stacking links to elect a master unit in ring or chain topology networks, utilizing a packet processor and control unit to compare unit identifiers and sequence numbers to determine the master unit, allowing for network topology discovery and minimal disruption during failures or topology changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional master election processes are used in ring topology networks, then a master unit can be selected, but the system fails to handle multiple faults effectively causing stack breakdown and prolonged reboot times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having the master unit proactively send detection packets through the ring topology to verify link integrity before faults occur. When a fault is detected, the system has already established backup master candidates and can immediately initiate reconfiguration without full reboot sequences, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining reliable fault handling
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares compensatory measures in advance by maintaining standby master units that are pre-configured to take over immediately upon detecting master failure. This cushioning mechanism ensures that when multiple faults occur in the ring topology, the system has already positioned alternative masters ready to prevent stack breakdown and minimize service interruption
2Productivity
If multiple switches are stacked to provide more ports, then network capacity increases, but the complexity of master election and topology discovery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the master unit continuously monitors the ring topology by sending detection packets and receiving acknowledgments from slave units. This feedback loop provides real-time information about topology changes, enabling automated master election and configuration unification across multiple stacked switches without increasing operational complexity, thereby supporting expanded network capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated master election protocols that allow stacked switches to autonomously determine their roles and configurations. The master unit automatically discovers the topology, elects appropriate masters for each segment, and unifies configurations across all switches in the stack without requiring manual intervention, thus managing increased device complexity while maintaining high network capacity
3Reliability
If ring topology is used for stacked switches, then redundancy is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to breaking into separate stacks when multiple link failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adaptive master election that responds to changing topology conditions. When link failures occur in the ring, the system dynamically reconfigures by electing new masters in the separated segments and maintaining unified configuration management. This dynamic response preserves stack integrity and redundancy even when the physical ring is broken into separate chains
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer memory for electing a master unit from multiple candidate units on a ring or chain topology network is provided. Master proposal data packets are transmitted onto a plurality of stacking links. At least one message data packet is received on the one candidate unit. A candidate unit is elected as the master unit if it receives message data packets corresponding to the transmitted master proposal data packets.