Scalable Switch Stack Using IP Network Flow ID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stackable switch solutions face challenges with high resource consumption overhead, require switch-to-switch hardwiring, and limit the number of stack ports, necessitating a more efficient and scalable network implementation.
Innovation Solution
A method for transmitting network traffic through a stack of switches using flow identification (Flow ID) for encapsulation and decapsulation, with switches configured to map traffic based on pre-defined flow definitions, allowing for reduced resource usage and increased scalability by eliminating the need for hardwiring and optimizing port utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional stackable switch solutions are used, then switches can connect and operate as a single device with increased ports, but resource consumption overhead increases and the number of stack ports is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an IP network as an intermediary medium to replace direct physical connections between switches. Each switch communicates through IP packets over standard network infrastructure, eliminating the need for specialized stacking cables and reducing port constraints. This intermediary approach allows unlimited stack port availability while maintaining efficient resource utilization through protocol-based communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwiring system with an IP-based network communication system. Instead of relying on physical stacking cables and dedicated stacking ports, switches communicate through standard IP network protocols. This substitution eliminates mechanical connection constraints, reduces resource overhead associated with physical stacking infrastructure, and enables scalable network growth without additional hardware dependencies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stackable switch solutions are used, then switches can operate as a single device, but switch-to-switch hardwiring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hardwiring with IP network communication. Switches in the stack communicate through standard IP protocols over existing network infrastructure rather than requiring dedicated stacking cables. This eliminates the complexity of physical connections, allows flexible placement of switches, and simplifies network topology changes without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes stack ports universal by using standard IP network interfaces instead of dedicated stacking ports. Each switch can use any available network port for stacking communication, eliminating the need for specialized hardware. This universal approach increases adaptability as switches can be connected using existing network infrastructure, reducing device complexity and improving deployment flexibility.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of stack ports is increased, then more switches can be connected in the stack, but resource consumption overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses IP network protocols as an intermediary layer to manage communication between switches. This standardized protocol approach simplifies resource management as each switch independently handles its own communications through well-defined IP mechanisms. The intermediary protocol layer abstracts the complexity of multi-switch coordination, allowing increased stack port availability without proportionally increasing management overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of transmitting network traffic through a stack having at least two switches is provided. The method includes receiving encapsulated network traffic via an inbound stack port of a switch of the stack, wherein the encapsulated network traffic was encapsulated with a flow identification (flow ID), and wherein the flow ID is assigned to a particular flow and is unique across the stack. The method further includes decapsulating the encapsulated network traffic using the flow ID contingent upon the switch being configured to decapsulate using the flow ID and transmitting the decapsulated network traffic from the switch in accordance with mapping information associated with the flow ID, wherein the switch is preconfigured with the mapping information.