Virtual Link Trunk Configuration via Automatic Domain ID Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network switching products face challenges in automatically determining and managing the configuration of virtual link trunks (VLTs), which adds complexity and requires manual intervention for configuration and error detection.
Innovation Solution
Network switching units automatically detect inter-domain link aggregation groups (LAGs) by matching domain IDs and assigning VLT identifiers, enabling them to configure and manage VLTs dynamically, thereby simplifying network configuration and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration methods are used for VLTs, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables switching units to automatically detect inter-domain LAGs and configure VLTs through self-service mechanisms. The switching units autonomously exchange detection messages, match domain IDs, and establish VLT configurations without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated validation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where switching units exchange detection messages containing domain IDs and LAG information. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically verify configuration accuracy by matching domain IDs across different domains and adjusting VLT configurations accordingly, eliminating the need for manual verification while ensuring precision
2Productivity
If automated detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated detection process is segmented into distinct functional modules: LAG detection message generation, domain ID matching logic, VLT configuration generation, and error detection mechanisms. Each switching unit independently executes these segmented tasks, improving productivity through parallel processing while managing complexity through modular design that allows each segment to be developed and validated separately
Solution Approach 2:
The switching units are designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle both traditional network switching and automated VLT detection/configuration tasks. The universal detection message format and domain ID matching mechanism can be applied across different domain configurations, improving productivity through standardized processes while reducing complexity by reusing the same functional blocks across multiple scenarios
3Ease of operation
If VLT configuration is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may be compromised due to automatic error detection limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces detection messages as intermediary carriers that transmit domain ID information between switching units. These intermediary messages enable simplified automated configuration processes while incorporating reliability checks through the verification of domain ID matches. The intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain configuration simplicity while ensuring error detection capability through automated validation of exchanged information
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary error detection by validating domain ID matches before finalizing VLT configurations. This preliminary action ensures that potential errors are detected and corrected in advance, maintaining reliability while allowing the configuration process to remain simple and automated. The preliminary validation step prevents erroneous configurations from being established, thereby preserving system reliability without complicating the overall operation
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, the switching units of a single domain (“first domain”) discover that they are connected to switching units of another, “second domain”, and the switching units of each domain configure a single LAG of inter-domain links each of which interconnects switching units of different domains. The LAG connects multiple switching units of the first domain to multiple switching units of the second domain.