Switch Fabric Control Plane Self-Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch fabric systems require a large number of physical connections between control processors and modules, making configuration complex and time-intensive, especially in large data center environments with numerous network devices and storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A method where a control plane processor authenticates network devices using unique identifiers and keys, allowing the system to self-configure by designating a root control plane processor and authenticating other processors and modules, thereby reducing the need for extensive cabling and manual configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of physical connections are used between control processors and modules in a switch fabric, then the system can support a large number of network devices and storage devices, but the configuration becomes complex and time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic configuration where control processors and modules self-identify and self-provision through authentication exchanges. The root control plane processor automatically assigns identifiers and provisions modules without administrator intervention, eliminating manual configuration complexity while supporting large-scale deployments
Solution Approach 2:
Authentication keys are pre-configured in control processors before deployment. When modules join the fabric, they perform authentication using these pre-configured keys, enabling automatic identification and provisioning. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex manual configuration during deployment
2Reliability
If a large number of physical connections are used between control processors and modules, then the system can maintain reliable control signaling, but the cabling becomes unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines control plane and data plane connections into a single physical cable between network devices and the switch fabric. Control signaling is multiplexed over the same infrastructure used for data transmission, reducing the number of physical connections from multiple dedicated control cables to a single unified cable while maintaining control signaling reliability through logical separation and authentication mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of device identifiers and routing tables is performed, then the physical topology can be accurately reflected, but the provisioning process becomes time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically discovers the physical topology through authentication exchanges between modules and control processors. Device identifiers and routing table information are dynamically generated and distributed by the root control plane processor based on observed connectivity, eliminating manual configuration while ensuring accurate topology representation through self-learning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The root control plane processor receives authentication responses and connectivity information from modules, uses this feedback to dynamically determine the network topology, and automatically generates appropriate routing tables and device identifiers. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures topology accuracy while eliminating manual provisioning time
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first identifier and a private key after a network device has been included in a data center switch fabric control plane, authenticating the network device based on the private key, sending a second identifier to the network device, and sending a control signal to the network device based on the second identifier. The first identifier is associated with the network device and unique within a segment of the data center switch fabric control plane. The second identifier is unique within the segment of the data center switch fabric control plane.