Stacking System Active Device Collision Resolution via BFD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current double Active devices detection and collision resolution mechanisms are limited to stacking systems with two member devices and fail to address collisions in systems with three or more member devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) sessions to exchange unique identity information among active devices, determine active priority, and shut down service interfaces when priority is not the highest, ensuring only one active device remains operational in the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stacking system includes three or more member devices and a stacking link fails causing multiple Active devices, then the system can maintain data plane functionality through redundant Active devices, but IP address collisions and network failures occur due to multiple devices having the same global configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where Active devices exchange BFD detection packets containing their device identities. When multiple Active devices are detected, they receive feedback about the presence of other Active devices and adjust their behavior accordingly by shutting down service interfaces, thereby eliminating IP address collisions while maintaining data plane functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces BFD detection packets as an intermediary mechanism to mediate between multiple Active devices. These packets carry device identity information and enable indirect communication between Active devices, allowing them to detect each other's presence and coordinate their behavior to prevent conflicts
2Reliability
If BFD interfaces are configured with different static routes and IP addresses for double Active device detection, then collision resolution is possible in two-device systems, but the mechanism becomes complex and inapplicable to systems with three or more member devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the BFD detection mechanism universal by enabling it to work in stacking systems with any number of member devices (not just two). The same BFD packet exchange mechanism handles detection and resolution for 2, 3, or more Active devices, eliminating the need for different configuration approaches for different system sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex static route configurations and isolates it into a dedicated BFD detection packet exchange mechanism. This separates the detection functionality from the data plane configuration, allowing simple identity comparison without requiring complex routing setups
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for processing multiple active devices in a stacking system. In the method, each active device in a stacking system exchanges unique identity information with any another active device through a preconfigured Bidirectional Forwarding Detection (BFD) session when a stacking link in the stacking system is in failure, determines an active priority of its own by comparing unique identity information of its own with the unique identity information received; and the active device stops providing services as an active device when determining that the active priority of its own is not the highest priority. The present invention also discloses a member device in the stacking system. The present invention can solve the collision of multiple Active devices, and is applicable to both a stacking system including two member devices and a stacking system including more than two member devices.