Multi-path redundant inline-bypass switch for continuous packet processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inline-bypass switch systems fail to ensure continuous packet processing and forwarding when one or both switch appliances lose power, as they typically bypass packets without processing by inline tools, leading to inefficiencies and potential data loss.
Innovation Solution
An inline-bypass switch system comprising two switch appliances with bypass components and controllers that manage state signals to dynamically control packet forwarding paths, allowing packets to be processed by inline tools even during power loss by switching between primary and secondary forwarding states or bypassing inline tools when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bypass component is used to transmit packets when the switch loses power, then network communication continuity is maintained, but packet processing by the inline tool is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass component is designed to dynamically change its state based on the operational status of the switch appliance. When the switch is powered on, the bypass component remains open to allow packet processing. When the switch loses power, the bypass component automatically closes to maintain network communication continuity, thus adapting to different operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass component acts as an intermediary element between the network nodes. It provides an alternative path for packet transmission when the primary switch-based path is unavailable, mediating between the need for continuous communication and the need for packet processing by the inline tool
2Device complexity
If a single bypass component is used, then the system is simpler, but it cannot provide continuous packet processing during switch failures
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass functionality is segmented into multiple independent bypass components (first bypass component and second bypass component) distributed across different switch appliances. This segmentation allows each component to independently manage its own switch appliance's failure state while collectively providing continuous packet processing capability across the network
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple switch appliances with bypass components are combined to form a redundant system. The controllers of different switch appliances communicate state signals to coordinate their bypass components, merging their individual capabilities to provide continuous packet processing even when one or both switch appliances fail
3Reliability
If the bypass component is always closed to ensure communication, then network availability is maintained, but packet processing by inline tools is never achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass component transitions between open and closed states dynamically based on the operational status of the switch appliance and controller. When the switch is operational and the controller is active, the bypass component opens to route packets through the inline tool. When power is lost or the controller fails, it closes to maintain direct communication, thus adapting to real-time conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An inline-bypass switch system includes: a first inline-bypass switch appliance having a first bypass component, a second bypass component, a first switch coupled to the first bypass component and the second bypass component, and a first controller; and a second inline-bypass switch appliance having a third bypass component, a fourth bypass component, a second switch coupled to the third bypass component and the fourth bypass component, and a second controller; wherein the first controller in the first inline-bypass switch appliance is configured to provide one or more state signals that is associated with a state of the first inline-bypass switch appliance; and wherein the second controller in the second inline-bypass switch appliance is configured to control the second bypass component based at least in part on the one or more state signals.