Network Switch Traffic Flow Configuration via Intermediary System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network switch devices lack efficient methods for configuring traffic flow configurations, which are essential for managing and monitoring network traffic effectively, particularly in complex network environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring network switch devices that involve receiving instrument port, network port, and traffic information to implement a traffic flow configuration, allowing for the storage and association of this information to direct packet flow between network ports and instrument ports, with optional user interfaces for inputting this data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If network switch devices use traditional configuration methods, then device complexity is reduced, but traffic flow management precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration system as an intermediary component that mediates between users and the network switch device. This external configuration system handles the complexity of traffic flow management, allowing the network switch device itself to remain relatively simple while achieving precise traffic flow configuration through the intermediary's processing and management capabilities.
2Reliability
If network switch devices implement detailed traffic flow configurations, then traffic monitoring capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system provides self-service capabilities by automatically processing configuration parameters, validating settings, and managing traffic flow rules without requiring deep manual intervention. The system can automatically generate configurations based on provided parameters, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining detailed and reliable traffic monitoring capabilities.
3Productivity
If network switch devices lack structured configuration methods, then device complexity is low, but traffic management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traffic management function into a separate configuration system that handles complex processing independently from the network switch device's core forwarding functions. This segmentation allows efficient traffic management through specialized configuration processing while keeping the network switch device's structure relatively simple and focused on its primary packet forwarding role.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use to configure a network switch device to implement a traffic flow configuration, the network switch device having a plurality of network ports and a plurality of instrument ports, the method includes: receiving instrument port information that identifies one or more of the instrument ports for the traffic flow configuration, wherein the instrument port information is received by a processing unit; receiving network port information that identifies one or more of the network ports for the traffic flow configuration; receiving traffic information that identifies one or more network traffic for the traffic flow configuration, wherein the traffic information is received after the instrument port information is received or after the network port information is received; and storing the instrument port information, the traffic information, and the network port information in association with each other to implement the traffic flow configuration.