Mesh Tagging for Distributed Link Aggregation Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, distributed link aggregation grouping faces challenges such as bottlenecks when traffic is funneled through a single switch, leading to reduced network performance and reliability due to the lack of effective load balancing across multiple switches.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using mesh tagging to select and assign path tags for packets, allowing them to be forwarded through multiple available paths in a mesh network, thereby distributing traffic load across various switches and eliminating bottlenecks by treating aggregated ports as a single logical port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traffic is funneled through a single switch in distributed link aggregation grouping, then the implementation is simpler, but network performance deteriorates due to bottlenecks and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic flow by introducing path tags that divide packets into different groups, allowing traffic to be distributed across multiple switches rather than funneled through a single switch. This segmentation enables parallel processing of traffic through different path groups, eliminating bottlenecks while maintaining manageable implementation complexity through systematic packet classification and forwarding rules.
2Device complexity
If traffic is funneled through a single switch in distributed link aggregation grouping, then the system configuration is simpler, but reliability deteriorates due to single-point failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network path into multiple independent routes by using path tags to classify packets into different path groups. Each switch in the distributed LAG can handle specific path groups, creating redundant pathways that eliminate single-point failures. The segmentation approach maintains configuration simplicity through standardized tagging mechanisms while dramatically improving reliability.
3Reliability
If path tags are used to distribute traffic across multiple switches, then network reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to tagging and path selection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring path tags and path groups before traffic flow begins. Switches are pre-programmed with forwarding rules that map specific path tags to specific physical ports and next-hop switches. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time routing decisions, reducing operational device complexity while maintaining high reliability through predetermined redundant pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by introducing path tags as additional packet metadata parameters. These tags encode path identification information that switches use for deterministic forwarding decisions. By changing the packet structure to include these parameters, the system achieves complex load balancing and redundancy without requiring complex switching logic, thus managing device complexity effectively.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple physical network links are grouped into a LAG, then bandwidth capacity increases, but load balancing effectiveness deteriorates when traffic is funneled through a single switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aggregated LAG bandwidth into multiple path groups, each associated with specific physical links and switches. By using path tags to classify traffic into these segments, the system enables effective load balancing across all physical links in the LAG. Each switch handles specific path groups, ensuring that the increased bandwidth capacity is actually utilized through distributed traffic flow rather than concentrated through a single switch.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for packet forwarding through a communication link of a distributed link aggregation group (LAG) in a mesh network using a path tag is described herein. A packet is received on a non-mesh port of a first network device of the mesh network. A Media Access Controller (MAC) destination address of the packet that is associated with a plurality of network devices in the mesh is determined. Each network device of the plurality of network devices includes a link grouped in the distributed LAG. A destination mesh device from the plurality of network devices is selected. A plurality of available paths between the first network device and the destination mesh device are determined. A path of the plurality of available paths is selected. A tag associated with the selected path is inserted into the packet, and the packet is forwarded along the selected path.