Multi-Level Switching Element Link State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-level multi-plane switching systems, existing link auto-negotiation methods are limited to single-level systems, leading to packet blocking due to invalid links, as they cannot effectively detect and adjust link states across multiple levels, resulting in inefficient packet distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for link state detection that involves obtaining and notifying link state information across multiple levels, allowing the Traffic Manager and Switching Elements to automatically adjust packet distribution tables and sidestep invalid links, ensuring real-time notification and accessibility information is shared from the lowest to the highest level Switching Elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If link auto-negotiation method is used in single-level switching system, then link state can be detected, but it cannot be applied to multi-level multi-plane switching architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-level switching system into hierarchical levels (first level SE, mid-level SE, lowest level SE) and implements link state detection at each level independently. Each switching element maintains its own link state information and notifies adjacent levels, allowing the complex multi-level system to be managed through modular, level-specific detection mechanisms rather than a monolithic approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested link state notification where lowest level SEs notify mid-level SEs, which in turn notify first level SEs. This nested notification structure allows link state information to propagate through multiple hierarchical levels, enabling the auto-negotiation method to function across the entire multi-level architecture while maintaining the complexity management through structured nesting.
2Reliability
If link state detection is not implemented across all levels, then system complexity is reduced, but packet blocking occurs due to invalid links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each switching element continuously monitors link state and notifies upstream and downstream elements. When a link state changes (valid/invalid), the affected SE sends notifications to adjacent levels, which then update their distribution tables. This feedback loop ensures reliable packet transmission by preventing packets from being routed through invalid links while maintaining manageable complexity through localized feedback rather than global monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary link state detection and notification before packet transmission occurs. By detecting invalid links and notifying distribution tables in advance, the system prevents packets from being blocked mid-transmission. The distribution tables are updated with accessibility information before routing decisions are made, ensuring reliable transmission without requiring complex real-time intervention mechanisms.
3Productivity
If real-time link state notification is implemented across all levels, then packet distribution efficiency is improved, but information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential link state information (valid/invalid status) from the complex multi-level system and transmits only this critical data between levels. Each SE extracts and notifies only the link state changes that affect packet routing, rather than transmitting all possible system state information. This extraction approach maintains high packet distribution efficiency while minimizing information transmission overhead by focusing only on routing-critical data.
4Reliability
If link state information is not shared between levels, then communication overhead is reduced, but packet blocking occurs at mid-level SEs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal link state notification mechanism that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects invalid links, notifies distribution tables for routing adjustments, and provides accessibility information for packet forwarding decisions. This multi-functional approach ensures continuous packet switching by sharing link state information across levels, preventing packet blocking at mid-level SEs, while avoiding the need for separate specialized mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A link state detection method is disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. The method includes: obtaining link state information from the lowest level SE to the mid-level SE; notifying to the mid-level SE the link state information from the lowest level SE to the mid-level SE; obtaining accessibility information from the mid-level SE to the lowest level SE according to the link state information from the lowest level SE to the mid-level SE, and link state information from the mid-level SE to the first level SE; notifying the first level SE the link state information from the mid-level SE to the first level SE, and the accessibility information from the from the mid-level SE to the lowest level SE; obtaining the accessibility information from the first level SE to the lowest level SE according to the link state information and the accessibility information sent by the mid-level SE.