Virtual Cluster Network Devices via Layer-2 Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cluster router and switch stacking systems require special hardware for connection, leading to high costs and complex structures, with poor adaptability to changing network scales and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
A virtual cluster establishment method that uses network-layer-based communication connections between network devices to form a virtual cluster without relying on special hardware, incorporating an active main control device and a standby main control device for improved reliability and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special hardware such as switching matrix subrack or stacking cable is used for connection, then the cluster router or switch stacking can be formed, but the cost is relatively high and the connection structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware connection system (switching matrix subrack, stacking cable) with a network-layer software-based virtual cluster system. Network devices establish virtual cluster relationships through network layer protocols and logical connections, eliminating the need for dedicated physical connection hardware while maintaining cluster functionality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network-layer communication mechanism as an intermediary between physical network devices. This logical intermediary layer enables cluster formation and management without requiring direct physical interconnection through special hardware, thereby simplifying the overall connection structure while preserving system reliability.
2Reliability
If special hardware such as switching matrix subrack or stacking cable is used for connection, then the cluster router or switch stacking can be formed, but the cost is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive dedicated hardware components (switching matrix subrack, stacking cable) with software-based virtual cluster implementation using standard network layer protocols. This eliminates the need for costly specialized hardware while maintaining the reliability and functionality of the cluster system through logical connections and protocol-based coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables standard network devices to perform cluster functions through software configuration and network layer protocols, rather than requiring specialized hardware. This universal approach allows any network device with standard networking capabilities to participate in the virtual cluster, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated cluster hardware and reducing overall system cost.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a system connected by using hardware has a fixed system scale as required by a structure of the special hardware, then the connection is stable, but the adaptability to a network scale change is relatively poor and the scalability of the system is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual cluster system where network devices can be added or removed from the cluster through network layer protocol interactions without requiring physical reconfiguration. The virtual cluster membership and relationships are dynamically established and maintained through software-based communication, allowing the system to adapt to changing network scales while maintaining structural stability through consistent protocol-based coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cluster system into independent network devices that communicate through standardized network layer protocols. This segmentation allows individual devices to be added, removed, or modified without affecting the overall cluster structure, enabling flexible scaling while maintaining system stability through modular, protocol-based interactions rather than rigid hardware interconnections.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a virtual cluster establishment method and a network device. The method includes: a first network device establishes, a network-layer-based first communication connection with a second network device; the first network device sends a first registration request message to the second network device through the first communication connection, where the first registration request message is used to establish a virtual cluster with the second network device; after the first network device receives a registration response message, selecting the second network device as an active main control device in the virtual cluster system; establishes, a network-layer-based second communication connection with a third network device; sends, a second registration request message to the third network device; and selects the third network device as a standby main control device. In this invention, a structure of a cluster is simplified, and scalability of the cluster is improved.