Port-Extended Network Packet Routing via vnTag Header Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular switch architectures lead to increased network complexity and overhead due to the need for multiple supervisor modules during network expansion, which can be mitigated by distributing line card functionality using port-extended architectures, but these architectures face challenges in correctly routing packets across satellite nodes without dedicated supervisor modules.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a control node in a port-extended network to receive data frames, determine if packets require specialized processing, and modify the vnTag headers to indicate the incoming and outgoing satellite nodes, allowing for efficient reassignment of unused frame tag headers for customized data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional modular switch architectures are used for network expansion, then network capacity can be increased, but the number of supervisor modules increases leading to increased network complexity and overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the supervisor module functionality by separating the control plane (supervisor module) from the data plane (line cards). Line cards are equipped with embedded controllers that can independently handle control functions, allowing line cards to be distributed across multiple switches without requiring additional supervisor modules. This segmentation enables network expansion while maintaining a fixed number of supervisor modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes line cards universal by enabling them to perform both data forwarding and control plane functions through embedded controllers. The vnTag header format is designed to be versatile, carrying both routing information and control plane instructions, allowing the same infrastructure to handle multiple functions without requiring dedicated supervisor modules for each line card.
2Device complexity
If port-extended architectures are used to distribute line card functionality, then supervisor module overhead is reduced, but challenges arise in correctly routing packets across satellite nodes without dedicated supervisor modules
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces the vnTag header as an intermediary mechanism that carries routing and control information between satellite nodes and the supervisor module. The vnTag includes fields for source and destination virtual interface identifiers (VIFs), enabling the supervisor module to correctly route packets even when line card functionality is distributed across multiple switches without dedicated supervisor modules at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter representation in frame headers by introducing the vnTag format with VIF identifiers. Instead of using traditional physical port identifiers, the system uses virtual interface identifiers that can be mapped to any physical location, allowing flexible routing and making the system adaptable to port-extended architectures where physical and logical topologies differ.
3Reliability
If vnTag headers are used for fabric link addressing, then correct packet switching is enabled, but unused header fields could be better utilized for specialized processing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention recovers unused or underutilized fields in the vnTag header format for new purposes. Specifically, the instruction field in the vnTag is repurposed to carry instructions for specialized data processing operations. This allows the system to maintain accurate packet switching while simultaneously enabling efficient specialized processing without requiring additional header overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the vnTag header multi-functional by using the same header structure for both routing purposes (source and destination VIF identification) and control purposes (carrying instructions for specialized processing). This universal header format eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms and improves data processing efficiency while maintaining packet switching accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for specialized processing of data in a port-extended network comprises receiving, by the control node of the port-extended network, a data frame that includes, at a first field of the data frame, information indicative of an incoming port at which the data frame was received, the first field having been inserted by a satellite node associated with the port. The method also comprises determining that one or more packets of a frame require specialized processing, and replacing the information contained in the first field with information indicative of the specialized processing. The method further comprises replacing information contained in a second field with information indicative of an outgoing port of a second satellite node of the port-extended network. A modified data frame is transmitted onto the port-extended network, the modified data frame that includes the information indicative of the specialized processing in the first field.