Network Switch Alternate Port Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center network switches have a finite number of ports, limiting their ability to compensate for primary port failures and utilize available bandwidth, as standby or redundant ports remain idle until needed, leading to suboptimal data traffic throughput and requiring additional switches for full bandwidth support.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of network switches with multiplexor logic that allows for the configuration of alternate ports to become active in case of primary port failures, enabling automatic reconfiguration of data paths and increasing the number of active ports without altering the core switching logic, thereby enhancing bandwidth utilization and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standby or redundant ports are allocated for failure compensation, then system reliability is improved, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates because these ports remain idle until needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic port allocation where alternate ports can be automatically activated when primary ports fail. The system transitions from static port assignment to dynamic reconfiguration, allowing the network switch to adapt its port configuration based on real-time operational needs and failure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state parameter of ports from fixed to variable. Ports can dynamically change their state between active, standby, and alternate configurations based on network conditions and failure events, optimizing both reliability and bandwidth utilization
2Productivity
If additional switches are deployed to provide full bandwidth support, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes ports multi-functional by enabling them to serve as primary ports, standby ports, or alternate ports depending on operational requirements. This universal port design allows a single network switch to perform multiple functions that previously required multiple dedicated switches
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the functions of multiple switches into a single network switch by implementing alternate port capabilities that provide failure compensation and bandwidth expansion features previously requiring separate redundant switch devices
3Reliability
If manual configuration of standby ports is required, then ease of operation deteriorates, but system reliability is improved through controlled failover
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch implements self-service automatic failover capabilities where the system autonomously detects primary port failures and activates alternate ports without requiring manual intervention. The switch automatically manages the failover process, maintaining reliability while eliminating manual configuration requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The network switch architecture permits modifications to the network topology in real time without the need for manual intervention. In this architecture, a switching core is capable of switching data paths directly from the ingress or egress of the switching core to alternate destination ports in real time, either under software or hardware control.