Network Element Ethertype Translation for 802.1ad Interworking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching devices and methods fail to seamlessly interconnect networks with non-standard equipment, particularly in scenarios involving Ethernet frames with non-standard Ethertypes, leading to difficulties in maintaining network domain independence and transparency across 802.1ad and 802.1ah clouds.
Innovation Solution
A network element processor classifies frames based on service level agreements, checks and translates Ethertype values to ensure compatibility before forwarding them through a network, using a forward database to identify egress ports and rewrite Ethertypes as necessary for seamless transmission across different network hierarchies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switching devices forward frames with non-standard Ethertypes, then network interconnection is achieved, but network domain independence and transparency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Ethertype handling process into distinct stages: classification of incoming frames based on service level agreements, identification of egress port requirements, and selective translation of Ethertype values. This segmentation allows non-standard frames to be processed differently based on their destination and service requirements, maintaining domain independence while enabling necessary adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element acts as an intermediary between domains with different Ethertype standards. It receives non-standard frames, translates their Ethertype values to match the egress domain requirements, and forwards them accordingly. This intermediary function enables interconnection between heterogeneous networks while preserving the independence of each domain through controlled translation rather than direct passthrough.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Ethertype translation is performed at network elements, then compatibility across different network domains is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network element performs preliminary classification of incoming frames based on service level agreements before routing decisions are made. By pre-identifying which frames require Ethertype translation and what the target Ethertype should be, the system avoids complex real-time decision-making during frame forwarding, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the Ethertype parameter of frames based on their destination and service class. Instead of implementing complex translation logic for all possible frame types, the system modifies only the necessary parameter (Ethertype value) according to pre-determined rules associated with service level agreements, simplifying the overall processing complexity.
3Reliability
If frames are classified based on service level agreements, then network control and transparency are improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different classification and processing rules to different frames based on their service level agreement characteristics. Rather than uniformly processing all frames through complex classification routines, the system applies localized processing appropriate to each frame's service class, reducing overall processing time while maintaining necessary control.
Solution Approach 2:
Service level agreement parameters are pre-configured and stored in the network element, allowing frames to be quickly classified by matching their characteristics against pre-established criteria. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time analysis, reducing processing time while maintaining network control.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for managing the interconnection between network domains. In one embodiment this is accomplished by classifying the received frame based on service level agreement, wherein the classifying includes checking the received frame Ethertype value is same as the port on which the frame is received, recognizing an Ethertype of the egress port of the received frame, wherein the recognizing includes checking the received frame Ethertype value is same or not and translating the frame into a compatible Ethertype and forwarding the same to the next available port.