Wireless Switch Cluster License Pooling for Network Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing licensing scheme for wireless switches in WLANs is inflexible, leading to significant network disruptions when a switch becomes unavailable, as licenses are typically tied to individual switches, making it cumbersome to transfer them to a backup switch, resulting in lost functionality and administrative overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cluster licensing approach where licenses are assigned to a group of wireless switches, allowing them to share and redistribute licenses within the cluster, ensuring continued access and redundancy without exceeding the maximum cluster license limit, even if one switch becomes unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If licenses are assigned to individual wireless switches, then licensing control and cost management are improved, but network reliability and continuity deteriorate when a switch becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the licensing resources of multiple wireless switches into a shared cluster license pool. Instead of each switch having separate licenses, the cluster operates as a unified entity where licenses are pooled and dynamically allocated among member switches based on availability and demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic license allocation within the cluster, where license availability automatically adjusts based on switch operational status. When a switch fails or is removed, its licenses are automatically available to other cluster members without manual reconfiguration, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions in real-time.
2Reliability
If warm standby backup switches are implemented, then network reliability is improved, but licensing complexity and administrative overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes all cluster switches universally capable of providing service, eliminating the need for dedicated backup switches. Any switch in the cluster can assume the role of any other switch, providing multi-functionality where each device can serve multiple potential roles depending on operational needs and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cluster licensing system automatically manages license allocation and redistribution without requiring manual administrative intervention. When switches are added, removed, or fail, the system self-adjusts license distribution among remaining members, eliminating the need for administrators to manually transfer or reconfigure licenses.
3Reliability
If licenses are transferred from primary to backup switch, then network continuity is maintained, but administrative time and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures all switches in the cluster with the capability to utilize cluster licenses before any failure occurs. Rather than preparing specific backup switches in advance, the system pre-establishes the licensing framework that automatically enables any switch to take over service functions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically handles license redistribution when switches become unavailable, eliminating the need for administrative time to manually transfer licenses. The cluster licensing mechanism self-adjusts to maintain service continuity, automatically making licenses from unavailable switches available to remaining members.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Wireless switch licenses are assigned on a cluster basis rather than being limited to individual switches. A switch cluster is made up of two or more wireless switches that each having an assigned number of licenses. Each of the wireless switches is configured to establish the switch cluster with the other wireless switches, and to verify the identity of each other wireless switch in the switch cluster during operation. License restrictions are enforced based upon a total number of licenses for the switch cluster so that the sum of the numbers of licenses assigned to the wireless switches in the cluster are available for use even if one or more of the other wireless switches in the cluster become unavailable.