Per-Hop VLAN Classification for Multipath Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spanning Trees in IEEE 802.1Q compliant networks result in suboptimal paths and lack load balancing, as they disable useful links to ensure only one path between devices, preventing prioritization of high-priority data packets and limiting data throughput.
Innovation Solution
Implementing per-hop virtual local area network classification to create a second virtual local area network with all links enabled, allowing data to take alternative paths by manipulating virtual network identifiers using IEEE 1905.1 classification, while traditional 802.1Q classification directs data to default paths, enabling multipath communication and load balancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Spanning Tree Protocol is used to prevent broadcast loops, then network reliability is improved, but network throughput deteriorates due to disabled useful links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple virtual networks (default virtual network and alternative virtual network) with separate spanning tree instances. This allows different paths to be activated for different virtual networks, enabling multiple links to be utilized simultaneously without creating broadcast loops within each virtual network segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of virtual network identification by manipulating virtual network identifiers (VLAN tags) as data takes alternative paths. This allows the same physical network infrastructure to support multiple logical paths by changing the virtual network dimension, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If Spanning Tree Protocol enforces single path topology, then network stability is improved, but load balancing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple spanning tree instances, each managing a separate virtual network with its own stable topology. This segmentation allows load balancing across different virtual networks while maintaining topology stability within each instance, as each spanning tree independently prevents loops while distributing traffic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic path selection by allowing data to switch between default and alternative virtual networks based on traffic requirements. The virtual network identifier manipulation provides dynamic adaptability for load balancing while each individual spanning tree instance maintains its stable topology configuration.
3Ease of operation
If traditional 802.1Q classification is used, then data transmission follows default path, but prioritization of high-priority data packets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different classification rules to different data packets based on their priority requirements. High-priority data packets are directed to the alternative virtual network with optimized paths, while standard traffic uses the default virtual network. This local quality differentiation enables priority-based transmission efficiency while maintaining ease of operation for default traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification of data packets using IEEE 1905.1 per-hop classification before transmission. This preliminary action identifies high-priority packets and routes them through the alternative virtual network in advance, ensuring they receive prioritized handling without affecting the simplicity of default path transmission for standard traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for multipath switching using per-hop virtual local area network (VLAN) remapping is disclosed. In the method and apparatus, a data packet is forwarded for transmission over one of a first port and a second port. The device identifies a VLAN ID of the data packet as a second VLAN ID and changes the second VLAN ID to a first VLAN ID. Then one or more criteria of a classification set entry for forwarding the data packet over the second port are evaluated. The data packet is forwarded over the second port if the criteria are met and the data packet is associated with the second VLAN ID. Alternatively, the data packet is forwarded over the first port and is associated with the first VLAN ID if a dynamic entry specifies the data packet is to be forwarded over the first port.