Network Switch Connection State Determination via Frame Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
In two-stage network systems with multistage connected switches, manually checking connection states between upper and lower switches is time-consuming, especially as the number of switches and transmission mediums increases, leading to increased workload for network administrators.
Innovation Solution
A network system where upper switches and lower switches exchange connection information through notification frames, allowing each switch to determine its connection state by comparing lists of connected lower switches, with each switch having a connection information notifying means and a comparison determination means to automatically assess connection states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual checking of connection states is performed, then connection states can be determined, but the workload increases with the number of switches and transmission mediums
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having switches automatically generate and exchange connection information notification frames containing their own connection status data. Each switch independently determines its connection state by comparing received information with its own configuration, eliminating the need for administrator intervention in the actual checking process while maintaining accurate connection state determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where switches send connection information notification frames to administrators or other switches, providing automatic updates on connection states. This feedback loop allows the system to self-monitor and report status changes without requiring manual inspection, reducing administrative workload while preserving measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the number of upper switches and lower switches increases, then network capacity increases, but the time required to check connection states increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having switches pre-generate and store connection information notification frames containing their connection status data before administrators need to check. This allows connection information to be readily available for immediate comparison and determination, eliminating the time-consuming process of manually gathering connection data from each switch as the network scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by having switches create and exchange copies of their connection information in notification frames. Instead of administrators directly accessing each switch to gather connection data, switches generate standardized copies of their connection status information that can be easily transmitted and compared, significantly reducing the time required to assess connection states in large networks.
3Extent of automation
If automatic determination of connection states is implemented, then administrative workload is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by designing a standardized connection information notification frame format and comparison mechanism that can be used across all switches in the network regardless of their specific roles or configurations. This universal approach allows automatic determination functionality to be implemented consistently throughout the network without requiring complex, switch-specific procedures, thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining high automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system has lower switches and upper switches connected to the lower switches. Each of the upper switches includes a connection information notifying means for notifying connected lower switch list informations each of which includes an identification information on each of the lower switches connected to each of the upper switches, to the lower switches connected to each of the upper switches. Each of the lower switches includes a comparison determination means for comparing the connected lower switch list informations notified by the connection information notifying means, in order to determine a connection state between the upper switches and the lower switches.