Stack Device Link Problem Handling via Member Link Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network configurations using link aggregation and stacking technology, when a link problem occurs, existing methods increase the workload of stack links by forwarding traffic through alternative stack members, leading to potential congestion and inefficiencies in traffic migration.
Innovation Solution
A method where a stack device identifies affected routes and stack members, migrates a predetermined proportion of traffic to routes not including the problematic link, allowing direct forwarding by alternative stack members without using stack links, thereby reducing the workload on stack links and controlling traffic diversion based on requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traffic is forwarded through alternative stack members when a link problem occurs, then network connectivity is maintained, but the workload of stack links increases leading to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stack device into multiple stack members, each capable of independently forwarding traffic. When a link problem is detected on a specific stack member, only that stack member's traffic is affected, while other stack members continue to forward traffic normally. This segmentation prevents the workload from concentrating on alternative stack members, as each stack member manages its own traffic independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different stack members to have different forwarding capabilities and characteristics. When a link problem occurs on one stack member, the system locally adjusts the forwarding behavior of that specific stack member without affecting the operational characteristics of other stack members. This localized adjustment prevents unnecessary workload increases on alternative stack members.
2Productivity
If all traffic is migrated away from a problematic link, then congestion is avoided, but network efficiency decreases due to suboptimal routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic traffic migration by continuously monitoring link status and adjusting traffic forwarding in real-time. When a link problem is detected, the system dynamically migrates traffic away from the problematic link. When the link recovers, traffic is dynamically rerouted back to the optimal path. This dynamic adjustment ensures that traffic is only migrated when necessary, maintaining network efficiency while avoiding congestion during actual link problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring link status and using this information to adjust traffic forwarding decisions. The system detects link problems, migrates traffic accordingly, and monitors the effectiveness of the migration. This feedback loop ensures that traffic migration is performed only when actually needed, preventing unnecessary routing suboptimality while effectively avoiding congestion when link problems occur.
Data Source
AI summary
In a computer network comprising a stack device and a plurality of network devices, the plurality of network devices are each connected to the stack device via a respective aggregation link comprising a plurality of member links and the stack device comprises a first stack member and a second stack member connected to the first stack member via a stack link. A correspondence is formed between a first route and the first stack member. The first route is used by the first stack member for forwarding traffic from a first network device to a second network device of the plurality, and comprises a member link via which the traffic is forwarded from the first stack member. Upon detecting a link problem in the member link of the first route, the first route is found, the first stack member is identified based on the correspondence, and traffic information is sent to cause the first network device to migrate at least a proportion of the traffic to have been forwarded via the first route to a route that does not include the link having a link problem.