Network Switch Topology Reconfiguration Using Automated LACP Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually reconfiguring the topology of a large number of network switches is time-consuming and prone to human errors, especially when frequent changes are required for testing different topologies.
Innovation Solution
A method using a computing device to automatically change the topology of network switches by activating, deactivating, and resetting specific switches within a stack, and adjusting Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) settings to transition between point-to-point, loop, and mesh topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration is used to change topology, then flexibility in topology selection is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service topology reconfiguration through automated detection and execution. The computing device automatically identifies the current topology, determines the target topology, and executes the reconfiguration sequence without requiring manual intervention for each step, thus reducing time consumption while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the computing device continuously monitors the topology state, compares it with the desired state, and adjusts the reconfiguration process accordingly. This feedback loop ensures accurate topology changes while minimizing time loss through intelligent decision-making
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration is used to change topology, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs self-service configuration management, eliminating human errors associated with manual reconfiguration. The computing device autonomously executes precise commands to change topology, ensuring high reliability through systematic and repeatable operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation system with an automated computational system. The computing device uses software-based control to manage topology reconfiguration, substituting human actions with programmable, error-free automated commands that improve both reliability and adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent topology changes are performed for testing, then testing versatility is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfiguration process is segmented into discrete, manageable steps including topology detection, target topology determination, and sequential configuration changes. This segmentation simplifies the overall operation by breaking down complex topology changes into manageable units that can be executed automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback to simplify frequent topology changes for testing. By continuously monitoring the current state and comparing it with the target state, the computing device automatically generates and executes the necessary reconfiguration commands, reducing operational complexity while enabling frequent testing
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically changing a topology includes: activating a number (i) of network switches included in a stack, a last switch and first (i−1) network switches being included in the stack; deactivating one of the activated switches as a deactivated switch; decoupling the last switch from the other activated switches, and resetting the last switch; disabling settings of Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) between the last switch and a switch device, disabling settings of LACP between the last switch and a neighboring device, and performing a reset configuration operation to reconfigure a connection setting between the last switch and the switch device and a connection setting between the last switch and the neighboring device; and establishing settings of LACP between the last switch and each of the network switches that is neither the deactivated switch nor the last switch.