Switching Device Port Expansion via IEEE 802.1BR Headers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network switching products face scalability limitations due to the number of ports and access control list (ACL) entries, which restrict the ability to efficiently manage and route data packets across expanding networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network switching device with a control unit that utilizes subordinate switches to expand port support by appending headers based on the IEEE 802.1BR protocol, allowing for distributed processing of data traffic rules and maintaining centralized control through preliminary drop indications, thereby increasing scalability and reducing the burden on parent switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network switching products increase the number of ports and ACL entries to support expanding networks, then network scalability is improved, but device complexity and processing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network switching function into two segments: the parent switch handles high-level control and management, while subordinate switches handle local port expansion and ACL processing. This segmentation allows the system to scale to more ports without proportionally increasing the complexity of each individual switching device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary header (IEEE 802.1BR protocol header) that carries control information between the parent switch and subordinate switches. This header acts as a mediator that enables centralized control to be maintained while distributing processing functions across multiple devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network switching products increase the number of ports and ACL entries to support expanding networks, then network scalability is improved, but processing time and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing workload by having subordinate switches handle local ACL evaluation and packet forwarding decisions, while the parent switch focuses on control plane functions. This segmentation improves overall processing efficiency by distributing the computational burden across multiple devices rather than concentrating it in a single switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having subordinate switches perform ACL evaluation and make forwarding decisions locally before packets need to be forwarded. This preliminary processing at the edge reduces the time required for packet traversal across the network and improves overall processing throughput.
3Ease of operation
If centralized control is maintained in parent switches, then network management control is improved, but the burden on parent switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data plane processing functions (ACL evaluation, packet forwarding) from the parent switch and places them in subordinate switches. This extraction allows the parent switch to maintain centralized control through the intermediary header mechanism while reducing its processing burden to primarily control plane functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary header serves as a communication mechanism that allows the parent switch to maintain centralized control without bearing the full processing burden. Control instructions and status information are exchanged efficiently through this standardized header format, enabling centralized management with distributed execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method includes a first switching device that includes a first control unit with a first and third port coupled to the first control unit and a second switching device that includes a second control unit with the a second port coupled to the second control unit. The system and method may include a network link coupling the first and second switching devices. The first control unit configured to receive a data packet and adding a drop indication. The second control unit configured to detect the drop indication. In some embodiments the first control unit is configured to apply a rule, and mark a data packet with a drop indication in a header, the header being a header normally attached to the data packet. The second switching device may interpret the drop indication with a set of rules to determine a course of action.