Network Topology Discovery in Multi-Chassis Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining network topology in multi-chassis information handling systems is challenging due to variations in hardware and software components, making it difficult for consoles to accurately manage connectivity among different chassis and components.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based system that receives and processes messages indicative of connectivity topology, updating a data structure to define the network topology among components, utilizing protocols like LLDP and mDNS to extract identifying information and generate a graphical representation of connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional topology discovery methods are used in multi-chassis systems, then the console can attempt to manage connectivity, but the complexity of determining network topology increases significantly due to hardware and software variations among different chassis types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (switches or network interface cards) deployed at each chassis that automatically discover and report connectivity information to a centralized console. These intermediaries act as mediators between the diverse hardware components and the management console, translating various hardware configurations into standardized topology data that the console can process uniformly, thereby reducing the complexity of topology determination while maintaining high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where intermediary devices continuously monitor physical connections and automatically report topology changes to the console. When a connection is made or changed, the intermediary detects this change and sends updated connectivity information back to the console, enabling dynamic and accurate topology tracking without manual intervention, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through automated feedback loops
2Loss of information
If manual configuration methods are used to track connectivity among multiple chassis, then detailed topology information can be recorded, but the time and effort required to manage and update connectivity information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary devices perform self-service by automatically discovering connections and generating topology information without requiring manual configuration or intervention. The system autonomously monitors physical connections, extracts connectivity data, and maintains updated topology records, eliminating the time-consuming manual tracking process while ensuring complete and accurate topology information is captured
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively detecting and recording connectivity information as connections are made, rather than waiting for manual updates. The intermediary devices continuously monitor the network environment and pre-update topology databases before queries are made, ensuring that complete topology information is always available without requiring time-consuming manual data collection when needed
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the processor to: (i) responsive to a physical connection being made between components of a system comprising multiple information handling system chassis, receive a message; (ii) process information present in the message indicative of a topology of connectivity among the components of the system; and (iii) update a data structure defining the topology of connectivity of the various components of the system based on the information present in the message.