Network Relay System Automatic LAG Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing network relay systems face increased workload in setting link aggregation groups (LAGs) as the number of network relay apparatuses grows, making manual configuration complex and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A network relay system comprising interface switches and fabric switches that automatically set LAGs by transmitting setting frames with identification information, allowing interface switches to configure ports based on the received information and establish link aggregation groups in accordance with the order of arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual LAG setting is performed in conventional network relay systems, then connection accuracy can be ensured, but the workload increases significantly as the number of network relay apparatuses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network relay apparatus automatically performs LAG setting by receiving setting frames from fabric switches and autonomously configuring the LAG based on the received identification information, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while ensuring accurate connections
Solution Approach 2:
Fabric switches transmit setting frames containing identification information to interface switches before LAG configuration is needed, allowing the interface switches to pre-configure the LAG settings automatically based on the received information
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of network relay apparatuses increases to improve system scalability, then network capacity expands, but the complexity of LAG configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each network relay apparatus automatically determines its own LAG configuration based on identification information received in setting frames, allowing the system to scale without increasing configuration complexity since each device independently configures itself
Solution Approach 2:
The LAG configuration process is segmented into automatic steps: receiving setting frames with identification information, extracting the information, and autonomously configuring the LAG, which simplifies the overall process as the network scales
3Ease of operation
If automatic LAG setting is implemented to reduce workload, then ease of operation improves, but the risk of misconfiguration may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Interface switches transmit received setting frames and their contents to fabric switches for verification, and fabric switches transmit determination results back to interface switches, ensuring that automatic LAG configuration is accurate and consistent across the network
Solution Approach 2:
Fabric switches determine the appropriate LAG configuration based on identification information before instructing interface switches to configure the LAG, ensuring that the automatic configuration is accurate and consistent with network requirements
Data Source
AI summary
FSs (16a to 16h) are each connected to IFSs (14a to 14x). Each of the FSs (16a to 16h) transmits a setting frame (60) that includes an FS number to the connected IFSs (14a to 14x). Each of the IFSs (14a to 14x) registers, in an LAG setting table, the FS numbers included in the received setting frames (60) and ports that have received the same in association with each other. Then, each of the IFSs (14a to 14x) sorts ports (52a to 52h) in an order of the associated FS numbers, and sets each of LAGs (18a to 18x) in a common order.