Routed Trunk Link Aggregation for Multi-Layer Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network devices are limited in the number of link aggregates they can provide due to silicon mechanisms, and many do not permit link aggregation at all, restricting high-bandwidth data communications and load balancing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing routed trunks using routing techniques in a multi-layer switch, which allows for the creation of multiple logical links without conventional layer-2 trunking limitations, enabling load balancing and compatibility with existing networks by employing a processor to define a routing interface, map MAC addresses, disable bridging, and modify routing tables for data flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional silicon mechanisms are used for link aggregation, then link aggregation can be provided, but the number of trunks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional silicon-based layer-2 link aggregation mechanism with a software-based routing mechanism. The processor creates routing interfaces by combining ports through routing protocols (OSPF, IS-IS, BGP) rather than relying on hardware-trusted silicon trunking mechanisms, thereby eliminating the fixed number of trunks limitation while maintaining functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional layer-2 trunking is used, then link aggregation is provided, but the number of aggregates is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from layer-2 trunking to layer-3 routing, adding the routing dimension to port combination. Instead of being limited to layer-2 trunk aggregates, the system creates routing interfaces that can aggregate ports through routing protocols, enabling a much larger number of aggregates with greater flexibility in how ports are combined and managed.
3Power
If link aggregation is disabled, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth capability and load balancing are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces routing interfaces as an intermediary mechanism between individual ports and the routing table. These routing interfaces aggregate multiple ports and assign them to specific routing protocols, enabling bandwidth aggregation and load balancing while providing a structured approach to management that reduces overall system complexity despite the additional routing layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless network apparatus and corresponding method and computer program comprises a plurality of ports to transmit and receive data flows comprising packets of data; a memory to store a routing table; a forwarding engine to transfer the packets of data between the ports according to the routing table; and a processor to define a routing interface comprising a selected group of the ports, map a selected media access control (MAC) address to the routing interface, disable link aggregation between the ports in the routing interface, disable bridging between the ports in the routing interface, and modify the routing table to direct each of the data flows having the MAC address as a destination address to one of the ports in the routing interface.