Switch Uplink Redundancy via Virtual VLAN Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center network management solutions face challenges in providing redundant uplinks without wasting resources and preventing physical loops, which can lead to downtime and increased network complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing network connections of a switch by obtaining software configuration information to assign multiple uplinks to Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) uniquely, forming a connection relationship, and setting hardware connections accordingly, allowing for multiple active uplinks while avoiding physical loops without using Spanning Tree Protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple uplinks are enabled to provide redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but physical loops may form causing broadcast storms and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network connection by introducing a virtualization layer that divides the physical network into multiple virtual network instances. Each virtual network can have its own uplink configuration, allowing multiple uplinks to be enabled without creating physical loops at the physical layer. The virtual switch segments the traffic flow and prevents loop formation while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual switch as an intermediary between the physical uplinks and the network devices. This virtual switch mediates the connection by managing the forwarding tables and preventing broadcast storms at the virtual layer, allowing multiple physical uplinks to coexist without forming harmful loops.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If Spanning Tree Protocol is executed to prevent loops, then physical loop problems are resolved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the STP protocol-based loop prevention mechanism with a virtualization-based approach. Instead of using complex protocol-based mechanisms to prevent loops, the invention uses virtual network segmentation where each virtual network instance has its own isolated forwarding plane, eliminating the need for STP while maintaining loop-free operation.
3Reliability
If vPC or vLAG solutions are used to provide dual active uplinks, then redundancy is improved, but compatibility with existing network structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual switch architecture that can work with various upstream network devices without requiring specific protocol support. The virtual switch handles all the complexity of managing multiple active uplinks internally, presenting a simple standardized interface to upstream devices, thus achieving compatibility with existing network structures while providing dual active uplink redundancy.
Data Source
AI summary
Managing a network connection of a switch. Software configuration information relating to the network connection of the switch is obtained, wherein the information specifies at least one VLAN connecting to the switch and a plurality of uplinks to be shared. According to the software configuration information, the plurality of uplinks is assigned to the at least one VLAN to form a corresponding connection relationship, in which relationship, each VLAN corresponds uniquely to one uplink from the plurality of uplinks. The hardware connection between the at least one VLAN and the plurality of uplinks on the hardware layer of the switch is set according to the corresponding connection relationship. Shared links may be formed in the switch, which links have multiple uplinks with redundancy, all in active status.