Network Switch LAG Configuration Preventing Frame Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing network system experiences failures during automatic LAG configuration when additional transmission lines are added to port switches and fabric switches, leading to normal frames being forwarded back to the port switch, which interferes with FDB learning and causes communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The network system includes lower and upper switching hubs with configuring portions that manage link aggregation groups, where the lower switch configures a main link for all ports connected to upper hubs and sub-links based on control frames, while the upper switch configures sub-links for ports receiving control frames, prohibiting normal frame transmission at unconfigured ports to prevent backflow and ensuring proper communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic LAG configuration is implemented by transmitting control frames between port switches and fabric switches, then link aggregation can be established for load distribution and bandwidth extension, but failures occur when additional transmission lines are added during configuration, causing normal frames to be forwarded back to the port switch and interfering with FDB learning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a preliminary LAG configuration for all ports connected to fabric switches before actual data transmission begins. Control frames are exchanged first to pre-configure the LAG structure, ensuring that when additional transmission lines are added, the configuration is already in place to handle them properly without causing frame backflow or FDB learning interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the LAG configuration adaptable and updatable. When additional transmission lines are added between port switches and fabric switches, the system dynamically updates the LAG configuration to include these new connections. The configuring portions in both port switches and fabric switches can modify the LAG structure in response to changing network conditions, allowing seamless integration of new links without disrupting existing communications.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple transmission lines are added between port switches and fabric switches to increase bandwidth, then network capacity is extended, but communication disruptions occur due to improper frame forwarding during configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where configuring portions in port switches and fabric switches continuously monitor the LAG configuration status and exchange control frames to verify proper setup. When additional transmission lines are added, the system receives feedback through control frame exchanges that confirm the new links are properly integrated into the LAG. This feedback loop ensures that frame forwarding is correctly configured before data transmission begins, preventing communication disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control frames as intermediary elements that mediate between the physical addition of transmission lines and the logical configuration of LAG. These control frames carry configuration information and status between port switches and fabric switches, acting as a intermediary mechanism that ensures proper setup before normal data transmission. The intermediary control frames prevent direct interference between line addition operations and data forwarding, maintaining communication continuity.
3Extent of automation
If LAG configuration is performed automatically without manual intervention, then system complexity is reduced and configuration speed is increased, but failures occur during dynamic line addition that would be caught by manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the port switches and fabric switches to automatically configure LAG themselves through control frame exchanges without requiring manual intervention. The configuring portions in each device independently process received control frames and update their own LAG configurations accordingly. This self-service capability maintains high automation while improving reliability through distributed decision-making, where each device validates its own configuration state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration operations with automated electronic control frame exchanges. Instead of manually configuring LAG parameters and verifying connections, the system uses electronic control frames to automatically establish and update LAG configurations. This substitution of manual mechanics with electronic automation maintains speed while improving accuracy through consistent, error-free frame-based configuration protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system includes a plurality of lower switching hubs, and upper switching hubs connected to each of the lower switching hubs, to relay a normal frame to be transmitted and received between the lower switching hubs. Each of the lower switching hubs includes a lower switch configuring portion for configuring a first link aggregation group for all ports connected to the upper switching hub, and transmitting a first control frame containing its own identifier from all the ports connected to the one or more upper switching hubs. Each of the upper switching hubs includes an upper switch configuring portion for configuring a second link aggregation group for ports connected to a same lower switching hub, based on the first control frames received from the lower switching hubs, and transmitting a second control frame containing its own identifier from the ports configured as the second link aggregation group.