Network Switch Port Pool Management for Dynamic Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network node switch technologies lack on-demand and self-configuring capabilities, requiring manual intervention by administrators to manage links during operational peaks or failures, as they rely on static hardware resources such as cabling and port configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing network switch link resources by designating ports into an on-demand pool, where they are initially in a standby state, and can be dynamically configured and utilized based on operational needs, allowing for automatic allocation and de-allocation in response to resource demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration and management of network ports is used, then network reliability is maintained through controlled setup, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to required administrator intervention during peaks or failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables ports to be automatically configured and activated without administrator intervention. The port manager monitors resource demands and automatically allocates ports from the on-demand pool, configures them according to stored operation configurations, and activates them when needed, allowing the system to serve itself during operational peaks or failures
Solution Approach 2:
Operation configurations are pre-stored in the network switch for multiple port scenarios. When a port is needed, the system retrieves and applies these pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for real-time configuration decisions and speeding up the deployment process
2Adaptability or versatility
If static hardware resources are used, then device complexity is reduced with fixed cabling and port configurations, but adaptability deteriorates when operational peaks or link failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates ports between operational and on-demand pools based on real-time resource demands. The port manager continuously monitors network conditions and automatically transitions ports between states, enabling the system to adapt to operational peaks and failures without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
Ports are designed to serve multiple functions by being able to operate in different states: active operational ports handling current traffic and on-demand pool ports available for future needs. This multi-functionality allows the same physical infrastructure to adapt to varying operational requirements
3Productivity
If all ports are kept in operational pool, then immediate availability is ensured for handling traffic, but resource efficiency deteriorates due to idle ports during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of keeping all ports permanently active, the system maintains only the necessary number of ports in the operational pool during normal operation. Additional ports remain in the on-demand pool, ready to be activated if resource demands exceed current capacity, thus optimizing resource utilization while maintaining sufficient availability
Data Source
AI summary
A switch manager places one or more of the ports into an on-demand pool and are given a default standby state so that the ports are not utilized in normal network switch operation. The manager monitors switch operation conditions for an on-demand resource allocation event that causes the manager to allocate a port from the on-demand pool and configure the port in compliance with an operating configuration so that the newly allocated port may be utilized by the network node. The manager sets a network node status indicating that on-demand pool resources are being utilized and monitors for an operational configuration reduction event that causes the manager to return the port to the on-demand pool.