Switch Configuration for Relay Network Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of switch usage in networks with a Clos configuration is low when some switches are connected to a relay network, as the selectivity of the Clos network allows for excessive specifications, leading to inefficient port utilization.
Innovation Solution
A switch configuration is implemented with first and second layer switches, where some ports of the first layer switches are connected to the relay network, and the second layer switches are connected to both the first layer switches and the relay network, optimizing port connections and reducing unnecessary routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Clos network is used with full return configuration, then any subscriber's device can be selected and connected without blocking, but the efficiency of switch usage is low when connected to relay network
Solution Approach 1:
The Clos network is segmented into a first Clos network for subscriber device connections and a second Clos network for relay network connections. This segmentation allows each network to be optimized independently, with the first network maintaining full selectivity for subscriber devices while the second network efficiently handles relay connections, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
A gateway device is introduced as an intermediary between the first Clos network (subscriber side) and the second Clos network (relay side). The gateway device enables efficient routing of traffic between subscriber devices and the relay network, allowing the system to maintain high selectivity for subscriber connections while achieving high efficiency in relay network communication, thus resolving the contradiction
2Quantity of substance
If some subscriber side ports are connected to relay network, then the number of connections to relay network increases, but the number of connections needed increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network architecture transitions from a single-layer Clos network to a two-layer Clos network structure. By adding the intermediate gateway device and creating a second Clos network layer, the system can connect multiple ports to the relay network efficiently without increasing the number of required connections linearly, thus maintaining high efficiency while increasing relay network connectivity
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a switch configuration including one or more first layer switches having first ports and second ports and one or more second layer switches, some of the first ports are connected to the second ports connected to the second layer switches, the second ports connected to the second layer switches are connected to the ports of the second layer switches, the ports of the second layer switches connected to the first layer switches are connected to the ports of the second layer switches connected to the first layer switches, and at least one of the second ports connected to the first ports and the ports of the second layer switches connected to the first layer switches are connected to a relay network.