Multi-Chassis Topology Discovery via Serial Chaining

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Solution Overview

Problem

As communication networks grow in complexity and size, diagnosing and resolving network performance issues becomes increasingly difficult due to issues like inefficient data transmission, incorrect routing, and improper configuration, which existing protocol analyzers struggle to address effectively, especially with the increasing number of ports and evolving network typologies.

Innovation Solution

A system of multiple protocol analyzer chassis with serially chained blades and ports, capable of discovering topology and configuring 'sync-groups' to capture and analyze data across multiple channels, using chassis identification buffers and management ports to facilitate automatic configuration and data capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple protocol analyzer chassis are connected to increase port capacity and network coverage, then the ability to diagnose complex network problems improves, but the system complexity and difficulty of configuration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork diagnostic capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol analyzer chassis automatically perform discovery operations to identify their topology position and configure sync-groups without manual intervention. Each chassis autonomously determines its role (master or slave) and establishes connections with adjacent chassis, eliminating the need for manual configuration while handling complex multi-chassis setups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs topology discovery and configuration setup before actual network analysis begins. Chassis identification buffers are pre-configured with connection information, and sync-groups are established in advance, allowing the system to be ready for immediate diagnostic operation without complex on-demand configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration is used for multi-chassis systems, then configuration precision can be controlled, but time consumption and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Each protocol analyzer chassis autonomously configures itself by reading chassis identification information from adjacent chassis and automatically determining its position in the topology. This self-configuration process maintains precise control over sync-group formation and master/slave role assignment while eliminating time-consuming manual configuration steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes configuration data in chassis identification buffers before operation begins. During initialization, each chassis retrieves and processes this pre-prepared information to automatically configure its sync-groups and communication parameters, achieving both speed and accuracy without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If chassis are added or removed from the system, then system adaptability improves, but reconfiguration time and operational disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem scalabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol analyzer system dynamically adapts to topology changes through automated discovery operations. When chassis are added or removed, the remaining chassis automatically detect the changed topology, recalculate sync-group configurations, and reestablish connections without manual intervention, enabling seamless system evolution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors topology changes through discovery operations and automatically responds to reconfiguration needs. Chassis exchange identification information to detect changes in the network topology, triggering automatic recalibration of sync-groups and roles, ensuring the system maintains optimal configuration as it evolves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7827248B2Discovery and self-organization of topology in multi-chassis systems

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)

AI summary

Multi-chassis systems determine their topology and self-organize through a discovery process. The systems include one or more chassis, each with individual blades and ports, which are serially chained together. When the discovery process is initiated, chassis identification data in buffers in each chassis is propagated to adjacent chassis and is then used to initiate communication via a network connection. Once the chassis are able to communicate via the network connection, at least one chassis in the system receives the chassis identification data of each chassis and can thereby identify each chassis. The chain is then divided into one or more sync-groups and master and slave chassis are designated. Each sync-group is configured to ignore data from other sync-groups. Domains are also configured from sets of ports within each sync-group. Events that may trigger the discovery process include power-up, the connection of a cable, the removal of a cable, or instructions to transition from normal mode to discovery mode.