Three-Layer Management for Port Extenders via Virtual Ethernet
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 802.1BR standard protocol provides insufficient and non-versatile management of Port Extenders (PEs) by Controlling Bridges (CBs in extended bridge systems, requiring many private extension protocol packets and relying on external networks and servers, thereby increasing networking costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for three-layer communication between CBs and PEs within the 802.1BR system by creating Virtual Management Ethernet (VME) ports with allocated IP and MAC addresses, allowing direct management packet exchange without external dependencies, using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and E-Channel Identifiers (ECIDs) to simplify processing and reduce networking costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the 802.1BR standard protocol is used for managing PEs by CBs, then the management can be standardized, but the management capability is insufficient and non-versatile, requiring many private extension protocol packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the CB's management interface versatile to handle multiple types of management tasks (IP allocation, MAC address management, three-layer communication) through a unified standardized protocol framework, eliminating the need for multiple private extension protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the management approach from layer-two only to incorporating layer-three (IP layer) capabilities, enabling the CB to perform IP address allocation and three-layer packet forwarding for PE management, thereby enhancing management versatility without requiring private protocols
2Reliability
If external network and server are used for three-layer communication between CBs and PEs, then communication can be established, but networking cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the three-layer communication capability from external network dependencies and implements it directly within the CB-PE system. The CB performs IP routing and packet forwarding internally, removing the need for external servers and networks for management communication
Solution Approach 2:
The CB provides self-service for three-layer communication by allocating IP addresses to PEs and performing IP routing between PEs and external networks without requiring external DHCP servers or gateways, thereby reducing networking costs while maintaining communication reliability
3Ease of operation
If private extension protocol packets are used for PE management, then management can be achieved, but the system complexity and networking cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the CB's management interface versatile to handle multiple types of management tasks (IP allocation, MAC address management, three-layer communication) through a unified standardized protocol framework, eliminating the need for multiple private extension protocols
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example of a method for implementing three-layer communication of a management packet, a controlling bridge creates a first Virtual Management Ethernet (VME) port with a first MAC address, and allocates a first IP address to the first VME port. A port extender creates a second VME port with a second MAC address, and requests an IP address of the second VME port from the controlling bridge. The controlling bridge allocates a second IP address to the second VME port, and notifies the port extender of the second IP address and the first IP address; acquires the second MAC address of the second VME port to send/receive a management packet to/from the second VME port through three-layer communication. The port extender acquires the first MAC address of the first VME port to send/receive a management packet to/from the first VME port through three-layer communication.