Distributing Spanning Tree Protocol Workload Across Stacking Network Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
In stacking network devices, the master unit bears a heavy workload due to executing the Spanning Tree Protocol and related algorithms, leading to reduced network transmission efficiency and quality.
Innovation Solution
A processing method is introduced to distribute the workload of executing the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol and related algorithms uniformly across all units in the stacking network device, utilizing the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol and the Port Role Selection procedure updtRolesBridge() to select the port with the best priority and synchronize Bridge Variables, thereby reducing the master unit's burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the master unit executes the Spanning Tree Protocol and related algorithms alone, then the protocol implementation is simple, but the workload of the master unit increases linearly with the number of device ports, reducing network transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the Spanning Tree Protocol execution workload into segments distributed across multiple units (master unit and slave units) in the stacking network device. Each unit independently executes RSTP algorithms and maintains local spanning tree information, rather than concentrating all processing in the master unit. This segmentation reduces the master unit's workload and improves overall network transmission efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the master unit handles all Spanning Tree Protocol operations, then the system structure is simple, but the quality and speed of network information transmission deteriorate due to heavy master unit workload
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the STP processing functions across multiple units, with each unit capable of independent RSTP execution. This distribution of functionality improves network information transmission quality and speed by preventing the master unit from becoming a performance bottleneck, while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure through standardized inter-unit communication protocols.
3Productivity
If each unit runs Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol independently, then the network transmission efficiency increases, but the synchronization of Bridge Variables and coordination between units becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where units exchange spanning tree information and synchronize Bridge Variables through standardized communication protocols. Each unit monitors and adjusts its local state based on feedback from other units, ensuring consistent network-wide spanning tree configuration while allowing independent RSTP execution. This feedback-based coordination manages the complexity of variable synchronization efficiently.
4Ease of manufacture
If the master unit executes all STP algorithms, then the implementation is straightforward, but the network reconfiguration speed decreases due to the master unit's processing bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the STP algorithm execution across multiple units, enabling parallel processing of spanning tree calculations and faster network reconfiguration. Each unit independently runs RSTP algorithms locally, eliminating the master unit's processing bottleneck and significantly improving network reconfiguration speed, while maintaining implementation feasibility through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring each unit with the capability to execute RSTP algorithms independently. This preparation allows units to immediately participate in spanning tree calculations without waiting for master unit processing, thereby accelerating network reconfiguration speed while keeping the implementation approach straightforward through standardized pre-defined protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to provide a processing method enabling each unit in a stacking network device to utilize the functions and the Port Role Selection procedure updtRolesBridge( ) provided by the RSTP to rapidly select the port having the best priority from the stacking network device for executing STP and the relating algorithm in order to effectively reduce the working burden of the master unit through uniformly distributing the work to the slave units, which not only greatly increase the network transmission efficiency of the stacking network system, but also greatly improve the quality and speed of the network information transmission.