Unconstrained Supervisor Switch Upgrade via Hello PDU Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Switching nodes in communications networks face challenges in performing in-switch software upgrades/downgrades (ISSU) without causing link timeouts, especially when the control plane is down, due to stringent time constraints and the need to maintain communication links during the process.
Innovation Solution
The method involves storing 'hello' protocol data unit (PDU) information for relevant control protocols before the ISSU, allowing Hello PDUs to be sent periodically based on stored time intervals, even when the control plane is partially dysfunctional, to prevent link timeouts and failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control plane supervisor software is upgraded/downgraded in-place, then the switching node can maintain communication links during the upgrade process, but the control plane becomes partially dysfunctional which may cause link timeouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing 'hello' PDU information in a file before the ISSU process begins. This stored information is then used to send Hello PDUs during the upgrade process even when the control plane is partially dysfunctional, ensuring link maintenance without requiring full control plane functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a file as an intermediary to store and transmit 'hello' PDU information. This file acts as a mediator between the control plane and the data plane, allowing the system to maintain communication links during ISSU without requiring the control plane to be fully operational.
2Reliability
If Hello PDUs are sent during ISSU to maintain links, then link timeouts are prevented, but the ISSU process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing and storing 'hello' PDU information in a file before initiating the ISSU process. This pre-prepared information is then readily available for use during the upgrade, simplifying the overall process by avoiding the need to generate and validate Hello PDUs in real-time during ISSU.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a copy of the necessary 'hello' PDU information and storing it in a file. This copy is then used during the ISSU process, allowing the system to maintain links without requiring the original control plane functionality to be active during the upgrade.
3Productivity
If the control plane is brought down for ISSU, then software upgrade can be performed, but communication links may be brought down due to link timeout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing all necessary 'hello' PDU information before bringing down the control plane for ISSU. This ensures that when the control plane is down, the system can still send Hello PDUs using the pre-stored information, preventing link timeouts while allowing the control plane to be fully brought down for uninterrupted software upgrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a file as an intermediary to bridge the gap between control plane unavailability and the need for continuous link maintenance. The file stores 'hello' PDU information that can be used independently of the control plane, allowing the system to maintain links during ISSU even when the control plane is completely down.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example embodiment, a time unconstrained fabric switch software upgrade function is described for an in-switch-software-upgrade/downgrade (ISSU) in a network switch. Prior to an ISSU, Hello protocol data unit (PDU) information is stored for relevant control protocols of associated interfaces of the switch. The Hello PDU information comprises information on messages and data exchanged by the control protocols that may be used to maintain communications links of the switch. During the configuring of the ISSU, and while the control plane of the switch is, at least partially, dysfunctional, Hello PDUs are sent on the interfaces according to the stored PDU information in order to maintain the communication links. The Hello PDU information may include a time interval value for each relevant protocol that determines when Hello PDUs are sent.