Virtual Core Equipment Groups for Layer 2 Switching Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing local area network technologies face issues with bandwidth wastage and slow link reconfiguration due to redundant links, and lack a comprehensive solution for maintaining network integrity and compatibility with network growth, especially in broadcast and multicast modes.
Innovation Solution
A local area network architecture where peripheral and core equipment use physical link aggregation and management modules to detect each other's presence, transmit a common identifier for link aggregation, and implement spanning tree techniques to manage access, ensuring efficient bandwidth use and rapid reconfiguration without data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spanning tree technique is used to neutralize layer 2 loops, then network stability is improved, but bandwidth is wasted due to blocked ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into virtual groups of core equipments (VCGs), where each VCG is assigned a single spanning tree root. This segmentation allows different parts of the network to have different spanning tree configurations, enabling optimized bandwidth utilization while maintaining loop prevention within each virtual group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual group identifiers and spanning tree root identifiers as intermediary mechanisms. These identifiers enable the network to dynamically determine which spanning tree to use for each VCG, allowing flexible bandwidth management without compromising network stability.
2Loss of time
If rapid reconfiguration is implemented to unblock links faster, then link recovery time is improved, but bandwidth is still wasted due to blocked ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spanning tree selection where the spanning tree root can be changed based on network conditions. By dynamically selecting optimal roots for different virtual groups, the system can rapidly reconfigure network paths while utilizing previously blocked bandwidth resources, eliminating the static nature of traditional spanning tree implementations.
3Productivity
If link aggregation is used to improve bandwidth utilization, then data transmission capacity is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual group identifier system that can be applied across multiple spanning tree instances and VCGs. This universal approach simplifies configuration by providing a consistent mechanism for managing link aggregation across the entire network, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing multiple separate aggregation configurations.
4Productivity
If proprietary solutions like S-MLT or switch meshing are implemented, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but network compatibility and growth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where network equipments automatically determine their VCG membership and spanning tree root based on exchanged identifiers. This eliminates the need for complex proprietary configuration protocols while achieving improved bandwidth utilization, allowing the network to self-organize and scale without proprietary constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A local area network comprises a peripheral equipment effecting layer 2 switching and including physical link aggregation means, and first and second core equipments effecting layer 2 switching and including physical link aggregation means. The peripheral equipment is connected to the first and second core equipments by first and second physical links, and the first and second core equipments are connected to each other by a third physical link. The first and second core equipments also respectively comprise first and second management means each adapted to detect the presence of the core equipment in which they are not installed via the third physical link coupling them and in the event of mutual detection to instruct the transmission of a common identifier to the peripheral equipment so that it considers the first and second core equipments as a single layer 2 switch and its aggregation means aggregate the first and second physical links with the aggregation means of the first and second core equipments.