Open Source Management Modules on Hardware Switch Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lower functionality switches, such as Ethernet switch chips, are limited in management functionality and often require costly vendor software, while open source management software struggles to interoperate due to intermediate port configurations disrupting port-to-packet correspondence, necessitating enhanced management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a processor component that virtualizes switch ports to enable open source software to provide management functionalities like LLDP and spanning tree protocols, maintaining packet-to-port correspondence by tagging packets with port information and using a processor-based Linux bridge driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lower functionality switches are used to reduce cost, then device cost is reduced, but management functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a lower functionality switch with a processor component to create a unified system that delivers both cost efficiency and enhanced management functionality. The processor component integrates with the switch to provide advanced features like LLDP and spanning tree protocols that would otherwise require expensive proprietary switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor component serves multiple functions: it provides management functionality enhancement, runs open source software, performs packet tagging, and enables interoperability between different switch types. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to address various limitations of lower functionality switches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vendor software is used to enhance management functionality, then management capabilities are improved, but software cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive proprietary vendor software with free open source software modules. These open source modules provide equivalent management functionality without the associated licensing costs, effectively substituting a costly component with a free alternative while maintaining the required capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor component acts as an intermediary that enables open source software to interface with the lower functionality switch. It translates and adapts communication between the open source management software and the switch hardware, making them interoperable without requiring proprietary software from either vendor.
3Ease of manufacture
If open source software is used to reduce cost, then software cost is reduced, but interoperability is disrupted due to intermediate port configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The processor component serves as a critical intermediary that resolves the interoperability disruption caused by intermediate port configurations. It implements packet tagging mechanisms that preserve port-to-packet correspondence information, allowing open source software to correctly identify and manage switch ports despite the architectural complexities introduced by intermediate ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation of packet data by adding tags that encode port identification information. This parameter transformation allows the open source software to correctly interpret packet-port relationships even when intermediate ports are involved, maintaining interoperability through data structure modification rather than architectural change.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments allow open source software code and modules to be used in a proprietary switch system including a switch chip operating in conjunction with a processor to provide management functionality for the switch system. One or more modules provide an interface between the switch chip and open source software elements, allowing open source code to be used in the switch system to provide network management functionality.