Self-forming Link Aggregation for Automatic Port Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network switch configurations require manual pre-allocation of ports for link aggregation (LAG), which is inefficient and lacks redundancy, as they do not automatically discover and aggregate multiple links between network switches.
Innovation Solution
A method for self-forming LAG, where a network switch discovers linked ports, defines a single logical interface, and communicates traffic using a link aggregation protocol, allowing automatic discovery and reconfiguration of links based on status changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pre-allocation of ports for link aggregation is used, then network configuration control is improved, but configuration efficiency and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch automatically discovers parallel links and configures link aggregation groups without manual intervention. The system performs self-detection of linked ports, self-assignment of actor values, and self-management of LAG membership, eliminating the need for manual port pre-allocation while maintaining proper configuration control
Solution Approach 2:
The link aggregation configuration transitions from static manual pre-allocation to dynamic automatic discovery and reconfiguration. The system continuously monitors link status changes and automatically updates LAG membership, allowing the network configuration to adapt dynamically to changing physical connections
2Manufacturing precision
If manual port pre-allocation is used, then configuration precision is improved, but system adaptability and redundancy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch automatically performs precise configuration by assigning the same actor value to discovered parallel ports and managing LAG membership according to detection results. This self-service mechanism ensures configuration precision matches manual methods while dramatically improving adaptability to changing network topologies
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through link status change detection and automatic re-discovery of ports. When link status changes occur, the network switch detects these changes, re-discovers parallel links, and automatically reconfigures LAG membership to maintain optimal configuration precision adapted to current network conditions
3Productivity
If automatic discovery and reconfiguration is implemented, then adaptability and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch performs self-detection, self-configuration, and self-management of link aggregation. By implementing automatic discovery mechanisms that monitor link status changes and automatically update LAG memberships, the system achieves high productivity without requiring external manual intervention, managing complexity internally through automated protocols
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for self-forming link aggregation (LAG). The method includes discovering, by a network switch, at least a first port and a second port managed by the network switch that are linked to another network switch. After the discovery, the method includes defining between the first network switch and the other network switch a single logical interface of which the first port and the second port are members, and communicating network traffic between the network switch and the other network switch over the single logical interface.