Switch Firmware Update Orchestration

Solution Overview

Problem

In campus networks with a hierarchical structure, temporary removal of switches for maintenance or repair often results in loss of network traffic due to the inability to reroute packets effectively, leading to significant data loss during the transition period.

Innovation Solution

A method where processors communicate with target switches to orchestrate their temporary removal by notifying connected switches to cease directing traffic, processing queued packets, and then restarting the switches without interrupting network flow, ensuring seamless rerouting and minimal data loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If switches are temporarily removed for maintenance or repair, then switch maintenance can be performed, but network traffic is lost due to inability to reroute packets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch maintenanceVSAvoidnetwork traffic loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by notifying connected switches to cease directing traffic to the target switch before it is removed, and by processing all queued packets in advance. This ensures that no traffic is lost when the switch is temporarily removed for maintenance, as all pending traffic has been handled and alternative routing is already in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary coordination mechanism where a controller manages the temporary removal process. The controller communicates with both the target switch and connected switches, orchestrating traffic cessation and rerouting. This intermediary coordination enables maintenance to proceed without traffic loss by mediating the transition between normal operation and maintenance state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If switches are temporarily removed for maintenance, then repair work can be done, but network operation is disrupted during transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch maintenanceVSAvoidnetwork continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by notifying connected switches to cease directing traffic to the target switch before it is removed, and by processing all queued packets in advance. This ensures that no traffic is lost when the switch is temporarily removed for maintenance, as all pending traffic has been handled and alternative routing is already in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that network traffic flow continues uninterrupted during switch maintenance. The coordinated approach where connected switches cease directing traffic to the target switch and the target switch processes all queued packets before removal ensures that network operation remains continuous and reliable throughout the maintenance process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Speed

If traffic is not ceased before switch removal, then network flow continues, but packets are lost during the transition period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork traffic flowVSAvoidpacket loss

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by notifying connected switches to cease directing traffic to the target switch before it is removed, and by processing all queued packets in advance. This ensures that no traffic is lost when the switch is temporarily removed for maintenance, as all pending traffic has been handled and alternative routing is already in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by having connected switches cease directing traffic to the target switch before removal. This counter-action prevents the harmful effect of packet loss by stopping traffic flow to the being-removed switch in advance, while the target switch simultaneously processes all queued packets to ensure no data is lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10693761B2Computer system including multilayer switches

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A method may include storing updated firmware in storage of a target switch, transmitting instructions to the target switch to initiate a restart thereof, and transmitting a respective notification to (i) at least one switch in each of a core layer and aggregation layer of the computer system, and (ii) switches in an access layer if a switch of the aggregation layer is the selected target switch. The notification may be indicative of an impending shut down of the target switch and include instructions to each recipient switch to cease directing packets thereto. The method may also include processing any packets directed to the target switch prior to the receipt of the notification and compliance thereto by each recipient switch, confirming all packets directed to the target switch from each recipient switch have been received and processed, and restarting the target switch, thereby updating the firmware on the target switch.