Network Switch Topological Addressing Hierarchy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assigning topological addresses to network switches in complex networks, such as HPCs, do not effectively reflect the hierarchical structure of the network, making address management and handling cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method that transcodes non-hierarchical individual topological addresses into hierarchical addresses by subdividing non-hierarchical identifiers using separator characters, allowing for a reconstituted hierarchical structure that explicitly represents the switch arrangement and network topology, facilitating simplified management and recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-hierarchical addressing system is used for network switches, then addressing flexibility is improved, but address management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the non-hierarchical address identifiers into multiple components, where each component represents a specific level of the network hierarchy. This segmentation transforms a single complex non-hierarchical address into a structured hierarchical format, making address management more systematic while preserving the flexibility of non-hierarchical addressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the addressing system by organizing identifiers into multiple levels. This dimensional transformation allows the address to simultaneously reflect both the flexibility of non-hierarchical addressing and the structure of hierarchical organization, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and management complexity.
2Loss of information
If hierarchical structure is explicitly represented in addresses, then network topology visualization is improved, but address format complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address into hierarchical components, where each segment corresponds to a specific network level. This segmentation explicitly represents the network topology in the address structure while maintaining a systematic and manageable format through consistent segmentation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific meanings and structures to different parts of the address based on their hierarchical level. Each segment of the address has a specific function and format appropriate to its level, allowing the overall address to convey complete topological information without uniform complexity throughout.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically assigning individual topological addresses to network switches includes obtaining first individual topological addresses each of which includes one identifier of a hierarchical level and N−1 non-hierarchical identifier(s) of the network switch with which it is associated, N≥2. It further includes the transcoding of each first individual topological address by subdividing the N−1 non-hierarchical switch identifier(s) as a function of a value of the hierarchical level identifier into one or more sub-topology identifiers separated from one another by at least one first separator character, forming a first character string, and into one or more switch identifier(s) separated from one another by at least one second separator character, forming a second character string. A second hierarchical individual topological address is thus constituted by concatenation including the first and second character strings, as well as a third separator character therebetween.