Routed Split Multi-Link Trunking for WLAN Tunnel Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network overlay models and protocols, such as VRRPv3, fail to provide adequate redundancy, load sharing, and quick recovery in Wireless LAN Split-plane networks, particularly for point-to-point tunnels, leading to inefficiencies in network resiliency and traffic management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Routed Split Multi-Link Trunking (RSMLT) extends network resiliency by synchronizing tunnel information and distributing packet forwarding operations between peer nodes, while maintaining tunnel control functions, thereby enhancing redundancy and load sharing in converged wired and wireless networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VRRPv3 is used for network resiliency, then recovery capability is provided, but it fails to address point-to-point tunnel issues and does not provide adequate load sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tunnel forwarding function by introducing a dedicated Tunnel Forwarding Table (TFT) that separates tunnel control plane from data plane forwarding. This allows independent optimization of tunnel establishment (handled by VRRPv3) and tunnel data forwarding (handled by TFT-based load sharing across multiple links), resolving the contradiction between general resiliency and tunnel-specific adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the Tunnel Forwarding Table - that mediates between the VRRPv3 control plane and the actual packet forwarding process. This intermediary structure enables VRRPv3 to handle tunnel control while the TFT handles the forwarding decisions, allowing both protocols to coexist without conflict and providing both resiliency and load sharing capabilities
2Ease of operation
If all WLAN traffic is tunneled to centralized controllers, then centralized control is achieved, but network complexity increases and recovery speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tunnel forwarding function from centralized controllers and places it locally at distribution layer switches through the Tunnel Forwarding Table. This extraction allows local switches to independently forward tunnel traffic without waiting for centralized control decisions, dramatically reducing recovery time while maintaining operational simplicity through automated TFT population
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing Tunnel Forwarding Tables at distribution layer switches before any failure occurs. These TFTs contain pre-computed forwarding information for multiple possible failure scenarios, enabling instant local forwarding decisions without waiting for centralized controller reconfiguration after a failure event
3Speed
If hardware data plane is used for fast data handling, then processing speed is improved, but protocol dependency complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the forwarding decision logic in software-based Tunnel Forwarding Tables that mirrors the hardware data plane functionality. This software TFT copies the essential forwarding behavior without requiring complex hardware protocol dependencies, achieving fast processing through efficient table lookups while reducing underlying protocol complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing Routed Split Multi Link Trunking (RSMLT) for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) tunnels is presented. A first and second network switch learn data associated with each other, wherein the first network switch and the second network switch operate concurrently. The first network switch terminates a WLAN Tunnel. The data is synchronized between the first network switch and the second network switch, wherein the data includes MAC Addresses, Internet Protocol (IP) interface addresses, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) associations, WLAN tunnel assignments and Network switch Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Load sharing of tunnel data packets is performed by the first and the second network switch. Tunnel control packets received by the second network switch are forwarded to the first network switch over an Inter Switch Trunk (IST).