Switch Resolving Extended VLAN Routing Conflicts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switches using extended VLANs face issues with packet forwarding due to the same combination of MAC address and VLAN ID being associated with different extended VLAN IDs, leading to incorrect routing and packet discard when multiple logical partitions are applied, especially when packets need to be forwarded across extended VLAN boundaries.
Innovation Solution
The switch employs a recording mechanism that includes partition information and an address table associating destination addresses with output ports, VLAN groups, and extended VLAN groups, allowing it to correctly identify and route packets even when the same MAC address and VLAN ID combinations exist across different partitions by using extended VLAN IDs for accurate forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extended VLANs are used to create multiple logical partitions on the same switch, then traffic separation according to divisions or business operations is improved, but packet forwarding accuracy deteriorates when the same MAC address and VLAN ID combination exists in different extended VLAN groups
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the address table into multiple partitions, each corresponding to a specific extended VLAN group. When a packet arrives, the switch first identifies the extended VLAN group and then searches only in the corresponding partition of the address table. This segmentation resolves the conflict by ensuring that MAC address and VLAN ID combinations are uniquely matched within each partition, preventing incorrect forwarding while maintaining the ability to create multiple logical partitions for traffic separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to the address table structure by introducing partition information that associates each entry with a specific extended VLAN group. This transforms the traditional two-dimensional address table (MAC address to port mapping) into a three-dimensional structure that includes extended VLAN group identification. By adding this dimensional layer, the switch can distinguish between identical MAC address and VLAN ID combinations that belong to different extended VLAN groups, thereby maintaining packet forwarding accuracy while supporting multiple logical partitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the same combination of MAC address and VLAN ID is associated with different extended VLAN IDs, then adaptability for multiple divisions is improved, but routing correctness deteriorates leading to packet discard
Solution Approach 1:
The address table is divided into multiple segments or partitions, where each partition stores address entries specific to a particular extended VLAN group. When forwarding a packet, the switch segments the lookup process into two steps: first identifying the extended VLAN group from the packet's VLAN ID, then searching only in the corresponding partition of the address table. This segmentation ensures that even if the same MAC address and VLAN ID combination exists in different extended VLAN groups, each can be correctly routed within its own partition without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces partition information as an intermediary layer between the VLAN ID and the MAC address lookup. The partition information acts as a mediator that first matches the VLAN ID to determine which extended VLAN group the packet belongs to, and then directs the search to the appropriate partition in the address table. This intermediary mechanism resolves the ambiguity of identical MAC address and VLAN ID combinations by ensuring that the lookup occurs in the correct contextual partition, thereby maintaining routing correctness while supporting multi-division environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch which includes a plurality of ports, each being assigned to any of VLAN groups, and outputs a packet received at any of the ports, the switch include: recording means in which partition information and an address table are recorded, the partition information indicating which of extended VLAN groups into which the ports are further logically partitioned, and the address table containing an entry in which a destination address, an output port, a VLAN group, and an extended VLAN group are associated with each other; acquisition means for acquiring a source address and acquiring group information of a VLAN; identification means for identifying group information of an extended VLAN; and registration means for registering in the address table the source address acquired by the acquisition means as the destination address, the port, the group information of the VLAN, and group information of the extended VLAN group.