MC-LAG MAC Synchronization Under Address Table Limits

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In MC-LAG switch systems, existing MAC address synchronization methods lead to inconsistent MAC address deletion, potentially exceeding configured limits, causing network transmission errors and instability.

Innovation Solution

Implement a MAC address synchronization method where two switches in an MC-LAG system use different deletion policies to ensure consistent MAC address counts, adjusting dynamic MAC addresses to meet configured limits, thereby maintaining network stability and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If two switches randomly delete MAC addresses to meet the MAC address number limit, then the MAC address number limit requirement is satisfied, but the MAC addresses in the two switches become inconsistent and network transmission errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMAC address number limit complianceVSAvoidnetwork transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the first switch delete dynamic MAC addresses before synchronization occurs, and having the second switch delete dynamic MAC addresses in advance. This ensures that when synchronization happens, both switches start from a consistent state and will have matching MAC address tables after the process, thereby maintaining network transmission reliability while complying with the MAC address number limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If two switches delete MAC addresses to meet the MAC address number limit, then the MAC address number limit is satisfied, but the MAC address learning function disruption causes synchronization failures

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMAC address count controlVSAvoidMAC address learning function

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different deletion strategies to different switches based on their local characteristics. The first switch deletes dynamic MAC addresses while the second switch deletes dynamic MAC addresses, creating localized quality differences in the deletion process. This allows each switch to maintain its MAC address learning function appropriately while still achieving overall compliance with the MAC address number limit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If the MAC address number limit is strictly enforced, then the system capacity is controlled, but the network stability deteriorates due to frequent deletions and synchronizations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMAC address table sizeVSAvoidnetwork stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By performing deletions before synchronization in a coordinated manner between the two switches, the system avoids the need for frequent repeated deletions and synchronizations. The preliminary deletion actions ensure that the MAC address tables are prepared in advance, reducing the frequency of stabilization disruptions and improving overall network stability while maintaining MAC address table size control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4376365B1Address synchronization method, switches, cross-device link aggregation system, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 ZTE CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A MAC address synchronization method, switches, a cross-device link aggregation system, and a storage medium. Two switches that form a cross-device link aggregation switch system use different deletion strategies, so that deleted MAC addresses of the two switches are consistent, and the number of MAC addresses after synchronization meets the MAC address amount limit value configured by a user.