Virtual Device Port Sharing via Spanning Tree Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network protocols, such as Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), face challenges when multiple virtual devices share a single physical port, leading to potential conflicts and ambiguities in determining which spanning tree instance to use, as each virtual device has its own internal spanning tree instance and multiple spanning tree instances, which are not optimally utilized.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves grouping virtual devices into a virtual device group, merging their internal spanning tree instances into a single instance, and using a mapping table to resolve conflicts by assigning unique Multiple Spanning Tree instance identifiers, allowing for efficient sharing of ports and traffic routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple virtual devices are configured to use the same physical port, then port utilization efficiency is improved, but conflicts and ambiguities arise in determining which spanning tree instance to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveport utilization efficiencyVSAvoidspanning tree instance determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the spanning tree management by creating a mapping table that separates virtual device identification from spanning tree instance identification. Each virtual device is assigned a unique mapping that links its internal spanning tree instances to the shared port's spanning tree instances, resolving the ambiguity of which instance to use while allowing multiple virtual devices to share the port.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mapping table as an intermediary data structure between virtual devices and spanning tree instances. This mapping table stores the correspondence relationships and acts as a mediator to resolve conflicts when multiple virtual devices share a physical port, enabling the system to determine the correct spanning tree instance without direct conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If each virtual device has its own internal spanning tree instance, then virtual device independence is maintained, but conflicts arise when sharing physical ports

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual device independenceVSAvoidspanning tree instance management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spanning tree instance management of multiple virtual devices by creating a unified mapping table that consolidates all virtual device to spanning tree instance mappings in a single data structure. This merging approach maintains virtual device independence while simplifying the overall management complexity by providing a centralized resolution mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mapping table serves multiple functions: it maintains virtual device independence, resolves spanning tree instance conflicts, and enables port sharing. This universal data structure handles multiple aspects of virtual device management simultaneously, reducing the need for separate conflict resolution mechanisms for each virtual device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple spanning tree instances are used for different VLANs, then traffic routing flexibility is improved, but determining the correct instance for shared ports becomes ambiguous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic routing flexibilityVSAvoidspanning tree instance selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the mapping table with all virtual device to spanning tree instance mappings before traffic routing occurs. This advance preparation ensures that when traffic needs to be routed through shared ports, the correct spanning tree instance can be immediately determined from the pre-established mappings, eliminating ambiguity during actual traffic flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical conflict resolution process (where spanning tree instances would directly conflict on shared ports) with a data-driven approach using the mapping table. Instead of relying on complex real-time negotiations or priority schemes, the system uses pre-stored mapping data to automatically determine the correct spanning tree instance, simplifying the detection and measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8842579B2Shared virtual device ports

Publication Date: 2014.09.23 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a solution is provided wherein multiple virtual devices may be configured on the same physical port of a network device. For example, a first virtual device and a second virtual device may be configured to use the same physical port. A single internal spanning tree instance may be configured for both the first virtual device and the second virtual device.