OpenFlow Rerouting Specific Traffic Blocked STP Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Networks employing Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) face challenges in maximizing throughput, reliability, and security due to redundant links being blocked, resulting in unused networking equipment and potential congestion on active links.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the OpenFlow protocol to dynamically reroute specific traffic through blocked links, which are otherwise unused, while maintaining loop-free topology and supplementing existing STP or Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) networks, allowing for flexible classification and path setup based on traffic content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If Spanning Tree Protocol blocks redundant links to prevent traffic loops, then network stability is improved, but network throughput and link utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different types (loop-prone traffic vs. specific traffic) and applies different routing rules to each segment. Loop-prone traffic continues to use STP-blocked links blocked, while specific traffic (identified by VLAN, IP address, or port) is selectively routed through previously blocked links, thereby improving throughput without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying a uniform blocking policy across all links, the patent applies local quality by allowing specific traffic types to use blocked links while preventing other traffic from doing so. This is achieved through traffic classification mechanisms that identify and treat different traffic segments differently, optimizing utilization of previously idle links.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If redundant links are blocked by STP, then loop prevention is achieved, but reliability and security of traffic transmission deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (traffic classification and selective routing) between the STP blocking decision and actual traffic forwarding. This intermediary identifies specific traffic types and redirects them through blocked links, thereby providing alternative transmission paths that improve reliability without creating loops, since the intermediary ensures loop-free paths for selected traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite routing approach that combines STP's loop-prevention mechanism with selective traffic engineering. By layering traffic classification and path selection on top of STP's blocked links, the system achieves both loop prevention and improved reliability through diversified transmission paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If QoS or DiffServ is used to prioritize specific traffic, then traffic classification capability is improved, but blocked links remain unused and congestion on active links persists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to traffic routing by utilizing the spatial dimension of blocked links that were previously unused. Instead of only prioritizing traffic on existing active links through QoS/DiffServ, the invention opens up a new dimensional space (blocked links) for specific traffic, thereby increasing overall link utilization without affecting traffic classification capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to transmitting specific traffic along a blocked link. A status of links between switches of a network is monitored. The status of the links is one of blocked and non-blocked. A blocked link is not used by a Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). At least one of the network switches is configured to transmit the specific traffic along the blocked link.