MC-LAG Port-Key Coordination for Simpler Link Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multichassis link aggregation (MC-LAG) deployment is complex due to the need for manual configuration of MC-LAG parameters across multiple devices, which complicates the setup process.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automatic coordination of MC-LAG configuration parameters by determining MC-LAG configuration parameters based on received port keys and other information from network devices, simplifying the configuration process through automated negotiation and coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of MC-LAG parameters is used on each device, then configuration control and precision are maintained, but configuration complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic configuration of MC-LAG parameters through self-service mechanisms. Each device automatically generates and distributes its port key information to other devices in the MC-LAG group, and automatically determines its own configuration parameters based on received information from peer devices, eliminating the need for manual configuration on each device
Solution Approach 2:
Devices perform preliminary actions by pre-generating their port key information and making it available for automatic negotiation. The system prepares configuration data in advance through Ethernet segment route advertisement, enabling subsequent automatic parameter determination without manual intervention during deployment
2Productivity
If manual configuration of MC-LAG parameters is performed on multiple devices, then configuration accuracy can be controlled, but configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices exchange port key information through Ethernet segment route advertisements and use received feedback from peer devices to automatically determine their MC-LAG configuration parameters. This iterative feedback process enables rapid automatic configuration across multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration data is prepared in advance through route advertisement mechanisms, allowing devices to have their port key information ready before the actual MC-LAG configuration process begins, significantly reducing the time required for multi-device configuration
3Extent of automation
If automatic negotiation of MC-LAG parameters is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but coordination complexity between devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses Ethernet segment route advertisement as an intermediary mechanism to facilitate automatic negotiation. Devices publish their port key information through standardized route advertisement protocols, and use these standardized intermediaries to exchange configuration data, reducing the complexity of direct device-to-device coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs universal Ethernet segment route advertisement mechanisms that can be applied across different device types and vendors. This multi-functional approach allows the same automatic negotiation process to work for various MC-LAG configurations, reducing coordination complexity through standardization
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a multichassis link aggregation method and a device, applied to a first network device in a multichassis link aggregation group MC-LAG. The MC-LAG further includes n second network devices, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The method includes: The first network device receives n pieces of second information of the n second network devices, where the n pieces of second information respectively include n second port keys port keys, and the n pieces of second information are in one-to-one correspondence with the n second port keys. The first network device determines a third port key based on a first port key of the first network device and the n second port keys, where the third port key is an MC-LAG configuration parameter of the first network device. According to the foregoing solution, automatic coordination of MC-LAG configuration parameters can be implemented, thereby simplifying configuration of multichassis link aggregation.