Switching System Mesh Topology Traffic Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing switching systems face limitations in capacity expansion capability and high capacity expansion costs due to back-to-back and star connection methods, which fail to achieve desirable capacity expansion effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for forwarding traffic in a switching system that interconnects line card chassis in a wireless mesh form topology, allowing packets to be forwarded through a combination of directly connected two-hop and n-hop links, with configuration modes that adjust traffic distribution based on link status and congestion, enabling efficient capacity expansion without the need for additional fabric cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If back-to-back connection is used for capacity expansion, then traffic line rate is met, but capacity expansion capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional back-to-back connection into a mesh topology where multiple LCCs can be interconnected through different paths. Each LCC is divided into multiple functional units that can independently forward traffic through different routes, enabling both high throughput and flexible capacity expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional back-to-back connection model to a three-dimensional mesh topology that incorporates multiple hops and intermediate nodes. This dimensional expansion allows traffic to be routed through multiple paths simultaneously, achieving both line rate performance and enhanced capacity expansion capability.
2Productivity
If star connection with dedicated fabric card is used for capacity expansion, then traffic line rate is met, but capacity expansion costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each LCC in the mesh topology universal by enabling them to perform both switching and routing functions. Instead of requiring a dedicated fabric card for capacity expansion, any LCC can serve as an intermediate node for traffic forwarding, reducing hardware costs while maintaining line rate performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software-based routing protocols to create virtual copies of the fabric card functionality across multiple LCCs. Rather than physically adding a dedicated fabric card, the system replicates switching capabilities through software-defined paths, significantly reducing hardware costs for capacity expansion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If N-hop mode is applied for traffic forwarding, then capacity expansion capability is enhanced, but traffic distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each LCC in the mesh topology continuously monitors traffic conditions, link status, and congestion levels. This feedback information is used by routing protocols to dynamically adjust traffic distribution paths, simplifying the complexity through automated decision-making rather than manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the traffic distribution system dynamic by allowing paths to be automatically adjusted based on real-time conditions. The N-hop routing is not fixed but adapts to changing network states, using protocols that dynamically select optimal paths, thereby managing complexity through flexibility rather than rigid predetermined routes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for forwarding traffic of a switching system. The switching system includes a first LCC, at least one second LCC, and at least one third LCC that are interconnected according to a mesh form topology; and the method includes: receiving, by the first LCC, a packet, and parsing the packet to acquire a destination address of the packet; and when the destination address indicates that the packet is to be sent to the third LCC, if a currently preset configuration mode of the switching system is a first configuration mode, bearing, by the first LCC, the packet on a third link, and forwarding the packet to the third LCC, where the first configuration mode indicates that an N-hop mode is currently applied to the switching system, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 3.