Static Link Aggregation Backup Port Selection Without LACP Delays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Static link aggregation lacks a backup mechanism to handle sudden port or link failures, leading to insufficient transmission bandwidth and packet loss.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that automatically determine a backup port through packet exchange, allowing quick reconfiguration of the link aggregation group to maintain bandwidth upon failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If static link aggregation is used, then configuration stability and speed are improved, but flexibility and backup mechanism are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration stabilityVSAvoidbackup mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring backup ports and establishing packet exchange mechanisms before failures occur. The backup ports are identified and ready in advance through automated packet negotiation, so when a link failure occurs, the system can immediately switch to the pre-prepared backup port without negotiation delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting link failures and switching to backup ports without requiring manual intervention. The automated packet exchange mechanism enables the system to autonomously negotiate and configure backup ports, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration while maintaining static link aggregation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic link aggregation with LACP is used, then flexibility and backup mechanism are improved, but negotiation time and efficiency are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup mechanismVSAvoidnegotiation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing backup port configurations through automated packet exchange before failures occur. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming LACP negotiations when failures happen, as the backup ports are already identified and ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses simple packet exchange mechanisms instead of complex LACP protocols to establish backup configurations. This simplified approach uses lightweight communication objects that can be quickly exchanged and processed, reducing negotiation time while achieving the same backup functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If manual configuration of link aggregation ports is performed, then configuration speed is improved, but adaptability to port failures is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidresponse to port failure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms through packet exchange to automatically detect link status changes and trigger backup port switching. When a link failure is detected through packet exchange feedback, the system automatically activates the pre-configured backup port, providing rapid response without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4468673B1Network device and configuration method thereof for static link aggregation

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 MOXA INC

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AI summary

A configuration method for static link aggregation is used for a first network device (60_1, 60_2), wherein the first network device has a link aggregation group (LA1 in FIG. 6) with a second network device (60_1, 60_2). The configuration method includes receiving at least one packet (4) sent by the second network device via at least one candidate port (P3, P4 in FIG. 6) ; determining a priority of each port of the at least one candidate port (P3, P4 in FIG. 6) according to the at least one packet; determining one of the at least one candidate port as a backup port (P3 of 60_1; P4 of 60_2) according to the priority of the each port; and updating the link aggregation group (LA2) according to the backup port in response to a port (P1 in FIG. 6) of the link aggregation group being invalid.