Migrating MSTP to ERPS via Virtual Link Disabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Migrating from Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) to Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS) protocol in Ethernet networks often results in network outages or degraded performance due to increased administrative traffic and potential network storms during the transition.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves selecting a VLAN implementing MSTP, disabling the virtual network link, and sequentially migrating the leaf and root network elements from MSTP to ERPS protocol, with manual disabling of virtual network links to prevent loops and maintain network stability during the transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MSTP is disabled and ERPS protocol is enabled on network elements during migration, then network performance and reliability are improved, but network outages and degraded performance occur during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by disabling the virtual network link before migrating individual network elements from MSTP to ERPS protocol. This preventive measure ensures that no network loops can form during the migration process, eliminating the need for loop-breaking mechanisms that would cause network outages. The link is re-enabled only after all elements have successfully migrated to ERPS, ensuring continuous network availability throughout the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The migration process is segmented into distinct phases: (1) disabling the virtual network link, (2) migrating leaf network elements one by one from MSTP to ERPS, (3) migrating the root network element last, and (4) re-enabling the virtual network link. This segmentation allows controlled migration without causing network storms or outages, as each phase is completed independently before proceeding to the next.
2Ease of operation
If virtual network link is kept enabled during migration, then network connectivity is maintained, but network loops and administrative traffic spikes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by disabling the virtual network link before the migration process begins. This counter-measure prevents network loops from forming during the transition from MSTP to ERPS, as the link that would create the loop is already disabled. By taking this preventive action beforehand, the patent eliminates the harmful effect of network loops without requiring complex loop-detection mechanisms during migration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If sequential migration of network elements is performed, then network stability is maintained, but migration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by disabling the virtual network link before migrating network elements sequentially. This preliminary step ensures that even though migration occurs one element at a time (which inherently takes longer), the network remains stable throughout the process without the risk of loops or storms that would require additional corrective actions and further extend migration time.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for migrating loop-breaking protocols in an Ethernet network. The method includes selecting a virtual local area network (VLAN) implementing a multiple spanning tree protocol (MSTP) from a plurality of VLANs operating on the Ethernet network, the MSTP having a spanning tree with a root network element coupled to a first branch of network elements; disabling a virtual network link in the VLAN; migrating a first leaf network element of the first branch in the VLAN by disabling the MSTP and enabling an Ethernet ring protection switching (ERPS) protocol on the first leaf network element; migrating the root network element in the VLAN after the first leaf network element by disabling the MSTP and enabling the ERPS protocol on the root network element; and enabling the virtual network link after migrating the first leaf network element and the root network element.