Plug-in Stacking Module for Non-blocking Switch Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current switch stacking methods are inefficient as they 'burn up' front panel ports and require excessive stacking cables to achieve non-blocking switching, limiting the ability to implement non-blocking switching for larger aggregations of switches due to resource and performance constraints.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a plug-in stacking module (PISM) that allows a switch device to increase its non-blocking switching capacity by reconfiguring switching components and utilizing a PISM to interconnect additional ports, either from the same device or other stacked switches, thereby optimizing the use of available bandwidth and reducing the need for excessive stacking connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches are stacked by connecting stacking ports using Ethernet cables and dedicating front panel ports for stacking, then switch stacking capability is achieved, but front panel port capacity is consumed and excessive stacking cables are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated stacking module as an intermediary component that handles all stacking operations. This module provides specialized stacking ports and control logic, separating the stacking function from the front panel ports. The stacking module acts as a mediator between multiple switches, enabling stacking capability without consuming any front panel port capacity, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and resource consumption.
2Productivity
If more stacking connections are established to support non-blocking switching for larger aggregations of switches, then non-blocking switching capacity increases, but the number of stacking cables grows excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple stacking connections into a unified stacking module architecture. Instead of requiring separate cable connections between each pair of switches, the stacking module consolidates these connections, allowing multiple switches to be stacked with fewer physical cables. This merging approach enables the system to scale to larger aggregations of switches while minimizing the growth of cable quantity, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and material consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If front panel ports are dedicated for stacking purposes, then switch stacking is enabled, but the number of ports available for data traffic decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switch architecture into distinct functional modules: front panel ports dedicated for data traffic and a separate stacking module for stacking operations. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its intended function without interfering with the other. The stacking module handles all inter-switch communication, while front panel ports remain fully available for data traffic, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.
4Productivity
If switching bandwidth is redirected from front panel ports to stacking ports, then non-blocking switching across stacked switches is achieved, but the total I/O bandwidth available for front ports decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking module serves as an intermediary that manages bandwidth allocation between stacking operations and front panel data traffic. It implements intelligent switching fabric that can dynamically allocate bandwidth resources, ensuring that the total I/O bandwidth is not lost but rather efficiently distributed. The mediator optimizes bandwidth utilization across the entire stacked system, maintaining high aggregate non-blocking switching performance while preserving maximum bandwidth availability for front panel ports.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementation of non-blocking switch stacking capability for a switch device using a plug-in stacking module to connect to the switch device. In one embodiment, the plug-in stacking module receives switched data from one switch means of the connected switch device and switches the received switch data to another switch means of the same switch device. In another embodiment, switching configurations are changed so that operation of the switch device in combination with the plug-in stacking module increases a total number of ports for which non-blocking switching is supported.