Network Distributor Centralizes Packet Forwarding to Reduce Switch Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management and maintenance of network systems become complex due to the distributed deployment of switches, leading to increased operational and maintenance costs and complexity in managing and maintaining the network infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A packet transmission method and device that utilize a distributor to centrally receive and transmit packets, reducing the number of switches required and simplifying packet transmission by pre-learning mapping relationships between path information and switch identifiers, allowing for efficient forwarding of packets between terminals even when managed by different switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches are deployed in a distributed manner to allow access of more terminals, then the network coverage and access capability are improved, but the management and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that centralizes the management of mapping relationships between user identifiers and route identifiers. The controller receives mapping relationship update messages from access routers and distributes them to other network devices, thereby decoupling the management complexity from the distributed switches and enabling scalable network expansion without proportionally increasing management burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network management functions by separating the control plane (centralized controller) from the data plane (distributed access routers). This segmentation allows access routers to focus on packet forwarding while the controller handles mapping relationship management, reducing the operational complexity of each individual device while maintaining distributed architecture benefits
2Adaptability or versatility
If more switches are added to the network system, then the network coverage is improved, but the operational and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that serves multiple functions: managing mapping relationships, receiving update messages from multiple access routers, and distributing information to various network devices. This multi-functional controller reduces the need for separate management systems for each switch, thereby reducing overall operational and maintenance costs while supporting expanded network coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If switches are deployed in a distributed manner, then the network scalability is improved, but the reconfiguration requirement increases when terminals change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where access routers automatically generate and send mapping relationship update messages to the controller when terminal connections change. The controller then automatically distributes these updates to relevant network devices. This automated process eliminates manual reconfiguration requirements, allowing the network to scale dynamically without increasing operational burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where access routers monitor terminal connection status and automatically notify the controller of changes. The controller receives this feedback information and triggers appropriate reconfiguration actions across the network, enabling the system to adapt to terminal changes automatically without requiring manual intervention or complex reconfiguration procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
A packet transmission method and device, and a network system relate to the field of wireless communications technologies, to resolve a prior-art problem that management and maintenance of a network system become complex. The network system includes a distributor and at least one switch, and the distributor is separately connected to the at least one switch. Because the switch can centrally forward packets by using the distributor, a port quantity of the switch in the network system is greatly reduced, and further complexity of managing and maintaining the network system is reduced.