Switching Unit Virtual Sub-Network Assignment for Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet networks face limitations in load balancing and fault tolerance due to the spanning tree based switching mechanism, which results in suboptimal performance and impractical load distribution in Metropolitan Area Networks and cluster networks.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple spanning trees in conjunction with VLAN technology to maximize throughput and provide fault-tolerant traffic engineering by assigning incoming data packets to predetermined virtual sub-networks, allowing for transparent operation across different computing environments without altering external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If spanning tree based switching mechanism is used in Ethernet networks, then network stability and loop prevention are achieved, but load balancing capability and link utilization are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple virtual sub-networks (VLANs), each with its own spanning tree instance. This allows different segments of the physical network to be utilized simultaneously for different virtual networks, enabling load balancing while maintaining spanning tree stability within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a virtual dimension to the physical network by creating multiple spanning tree instances operating in parallel across different VLANs. This dimensional transformation allows redundant physical links to be utilized by distributing traffic across multiple virtual sub-networks, thereby improving link utilization without compromising network stability.
2Productivity
If multiple spanning trees are used to improve link utilization, then load balancing is improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching units are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating as standard Ethernet switches for compatibility and as multi-spanning-tree switches for enhanced performance. This universal design allows the same hardware to provide both basic spanning tree functionality and advanced load balancing without requiring separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of existing switching units by enabling them to maintain multiple spanning tree instances simultaneously. Rather than requiring fundamentally different switching mechanisms, the solution modifies parameters such as VLAN configuration and spanning tree instance management, allowing standard switches to achieve improved link utilization through software/firmware enhancements.
3Productivity
If VLAN technology is used for path selection, then traffic engineering capability is improved, but network administration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching units automatically perform load balancing and path selection based on the configured multiple spanning tree instances and VLAN mappings. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual traffic engineering interventions and complex administrative management, as the system autonomously distributes traffic across available paths based on the established virtual sub-network topology.
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication system having a plurality of input/output ports, a first group and a second group of switching units. Each switching unit has a plurality of input/output interfaces, whereby at least one of the plurality of input/output interfaces of each switching unit of the first group forms an input/output port of the communications system, and at least one other input/output interface of each of the switching units of the first group is connected via a communication link with an input/output interface of one of the switching units of the second group, so that a network is formed having at least one loop. The network is logically divided in at least two virtual subnetworks, each forming a spanning tree. Each switching unit of the first group is configured to assign an incoming data packet arriving at a particular input/output port to a predetermined one of the at least two virtual sub-networks. An advantage of the present invention is the ability to transparently employ the taught data communication device in different computing environments, without the requirement to alter any external equipment.