Network Controller Redundancy for Uninterrupted Software Upgrades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks face challenges in software updates, as rebooting switches and controllers can cause interruptions in data forwarding services, leading to noticeable performance reductions and packet loss.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system with first and second controllers that manage redundant switch partitions, allowing software upgrades to be performed on one partition at a time while maintaining network traffic flow, and coordinating the upgrade process to minimize disruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If software is updated on switches and controllers, then software version is improved, but network forwarding performance deteriorates due to reboots causing interruptions and packet loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware versionVSAvoidnetwork forwarding performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network is divided into multiple redundant partitions, allowing software upgrades to be applied to one partition at a time while other partitions continue to handle network traffic. This segmentation enables isolated updates without complete network shutdown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Software is pre-loaded onto standby controllers and switch partitions before the upgrade process begins. This preliminary preparation allows for seamless switching to upgraded components without interruption to network services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If switches and controllers are rebooted to install updated software, then software functionality is improved, but network service continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoidnetwork service continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Standby controllers and redundant switch partitions serve as intermediaries that take over network traffic handling during the reboot of primary components. This mediation ensures continuous network service while allowing planned components to restart

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Different partitions of the network are assigned different software versions and upgrade timelines, allowing localized updates in specific network segments while maintaining overall network functionality with earlier software versions in other segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9600263B2Systems and methods for performing uninterrupted network upgrades with controllers

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 ARISTA NETWORKS INC

AI summary

First and second controllers implemented on computing equipment may be used to control switches in a network. The switches may forward network packets between end hosts. The second controller may identify first and second redundant partitions of switches in the network that are each coupled to all of the end hosts. The first controller may instruct the first partition to install software while the second partition forwards network traffic and may instruct the second partition to install software while the first partition forwards network traffic. The first controller may install the software while the second controller is active and the second controller may install the software while the first controller is active. In this way, the switches and controllers may be provided with an uninterrupted software upgrade and packets may be forwarded between end hosts during the software upgrade without introducing packet loss or other noticeable reductions in network performance.