Stitching Border Network Device Broadcast Traffic Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network environments with underlay and overlay networks, border network devices may face challenges in forwarding broadcast packets between different physical domains due to split horizon rules and changes in network configurations, such as the addition of new physical domains.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'stitching' border network device that assigns different broadcast groups to tunnels connecting multiple physical domains, allowing broadcast traffic to be forwarded across domains without being blocked by split horizon rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If split horizon rules are applied at border network devices to prevent forwarding loops, then network reliability is improved, but broadcast traffic forwarding between different physical domains is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the broadcast domain by introducing virtual broadcast groups that logically separate different physical domains. Each physical domain is assigned to a specific broadcast group, allowing the border network device to forward broadcast traffic between domains while maintaining the reliability benefits of split horizon rules within each group. This segmentation enables selective forwarding based on virtual group membership rather than physical domain boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a virtual broadcast group as an intermediary layer between physical domains. The border network device uses this virtual grouping mechanism to mediate broadcast traffic forwarding decisions, allowing it to bypass split horizon restrictions when the source and destination domains belong to different broadcast groups. This intermediary structure enables controlled inter-domain forwarding while preserving intra-domain reliability.
2Reliability
If separate core switches are deployed for each physical domain to ensure network integrity, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple physical domains into a single broadcast domain by introducing a unified virtual broadcast group structure. This allows a single core switch to handle broadcast traffic for multiple physical domains simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate core switches in each domain. The virtual grouping mechanism maintains network integrity by providing logical separation while enabling physical consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The border network device is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple physical domains through a single instance. By implementing virtual broadcast group membership management and intelligent forwarding rules, the device can simultaneously maintain network integrity across domains and provide broadcast forwarding services, replacing the need for multiple specialized core switches.
3Ease of operation
If broadcast groups are assigned at the physical domain level, then network management is simplified, but adaptability to new physical domains is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic broadcast group assignment where virtual broadcast group membership is not fixed to physical domains but can be flexibly configured. When new physical domains are added to the network, administrators can dynamically assign them to existing or new broadcast groups without reconfiguring the entire network architecture. This dynamic approach maintains simplified management while providing high adaptability to network changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the management parameter from physical domain-based broadcast grouping to virtual broadcast group-based grouping. This parameter change allows independent configuration of broadcast group membership that is not constrained by physical domain boundaries, enabling flexible adaptation to new domains while maintaining ease of management through logical rather than physical organization.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a stitching border network device includes a border tunnel endpoint to connect over a first tunnel to a first network device of a first physical domain, and over a second tunnel to a second network device of a second physical domain. A controller assigns a first broadcast group that includes the stitching border network device and the first network device of the first physical domain, and assigns a second broadcast group that includes the stitching border network device and the second network device of the second physical domain.