Tree Aggregation Network Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network architectures struggle to provide effective load distribution and redundancy against both link and node failures without modifying the functionality of interior nodes, which is undesirable for service providers.
Innovation Solution
A Tree Aggregation Group (TRAG) network architecture that uses multiple disjoint trees with common leaf nodes and no shared interior nodes, allowing data to be distributed across trees by hashing on frame fields, and employing a Tree Aggregation Method (TRAM) to redirect loads and refresh Filtering Database entries using control frames to prevent network flooding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple trees are used for load distribution and redundancy, then network bandwidth and availability are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for virtual switch architecture and paired interior nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple disjoint trees, each handling a portion of the traffic load. This segmentation allows load distribution across trees without requiring complex virtual switch architecture, as each tree operates independently with standard interior nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of redundancy by creating multiple disjoint trees instead of pairing interior nodes. This dimensional approach to network topology provides redundancy and load distribution capabilities without modifying interior node functionality or requiring virtual switch architecture.
2Reliability
If interior nodes are paired and interconnected via dedicated links to form virtual interior nodes, then protection against node failures is provided, but modification of interior node functionality is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pairing and modifying interior nodes, the network is segmented into multiple disjoint trees with separate interior nodes. This segmentation provides redundancy without requiring any interior node modification, as each tree's interior nodes remain standard and unmodified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of the tree structure with disjoint interior nodes, eliminating the need to modify existing interior nodes. Each tree is a independent copy that can handle traffic independently, providing redundancy without functional modification.
3Productivity
If Link Aggregation is used to distribute data among multiple links, then load distribution and link failure protection are achieved, but node failure protection is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends load distribution from the link level (Link Aggregation) to the tree level by creating multiple disjoint trees. This dimensional extension provides both load distribution and node failure protection, as traffic can be redirected to alternative trees when node failures occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A network comprising a plurality of trees each comprising at least one ingress leaf node, at least one interior node, and at least one egress leaf node, wherein at least some of the ingress leaf nodes and the egress leaf nodes are common to the trees, and wherein the ingress leaf node is configured to transport data to the egress leaf node using any of the trees is disclosed. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising selecting one of a plurality of trees associated with information contained within a frame, directing the frame to the selected tree, and maintaining a filtering database (FDB) entry in an interior node in the unselected tree or trees.