Forwarding Table Synchronization via MC-LAG Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistent forwarding tables between network devices in a virtual cluster due to non-simultaneous software version upgrades lead to traffic forwarding errors and user service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method for forwarding table synchronization in a virtual cluster where network devices communicate through a data forwarding path, with an MC-LAG identifier added to packets to indicate member ports, allowing control and data planes to generate and update forwarding entries independently, ensuring table consistency without requiring identical software versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forwarding table synchronization is performed between control planes of network devices in a virtual cluster, then forwarding table consistency is achieved, but software version compatibility requirements increase system complexity and upgrade difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding table synchronization process into independent device-level operations. Each network device independently receives packets, adds MC-LAG identifiers, and updates its own forwarding table without requiring inter-device control plane communication. This eliminates the need for software version compatibility between devices while maintaining forwarding table consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each network device performs self-service forwarding table updates by independently processing packets and generating forwarding entries locally. The devices do not rely on control plane synchronization with other devices, making the system independent of software version matching between devices while ensuring consistent forwarding behavior.
2Reliability
If control planes synchronize forwarding tables periodically or in real time, then forwarding table consistency is maintained, but control protocol packet requirements increase implementation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane performs self-service by independently processing packets received from the data plane and generating forwarding entries without requiring communication with other control planes. This eliminates the need for control protocol packets and inter-device synchronization mechanisms, significantly reducing implementation complexity while maintaining forwarding table consistency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software versions of network devices are not upgraded simultaneously, then device independence and upgrade flexibility are improved, but forwarding table inconsistency occurs causing traffic forwarding errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding table update process into independent device-level operations that do not require inter-device coordination. Each device processes packets and updates its forwarding table independently based on local packet analysis, allowing devices to run different software versions while maintaining consistent forwarding behavior through the common MC-LAG identifier mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a forwarding table synchronization method, a network device, and a system. A data plane of a first network device receives a first packet sent by a multi-homing access device, sends the first packet to a control plane of the first network device, adds an MC-LAG identifier to the first packet to obtain a second packet, and sends the second packet to a data plane of the second network device through a data forwarding path. The control plane of the first network device generates a forwarding entry according to an ingress port of the first packet on the first network device and the first packet, updates a first forwarding table on the control plane of the first network device according to the forwarding entry, and sends the forwarding entry to the data plane of the first network device. The data plane of the first network device updates a second forwarding table on the data plane of the first network device according to the forwarding entry. According to the present invention, forwarding tables of network devices in a virtual cluster can be synchronized.