Virtual Multi-Hop Network Topology Emulation in Data Center Switch Fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy network systems are costly and technically challenging to maintain and upgrade, and migrating them to a data center can result in loss or alteration of core functionality, necessitating a method to emulate a virtual multi-hop network topology within a data center to preserve functionality.
Innovation Solution
A switch core in the data center is configured to emulate a multi-hop network topology by defining single-hop paths between edge devices and using external and internal routing information to transparently manage communication, allowing legacy devices to operate as if connected in a multi-hop network while actually using a single-hop switch core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If legacy network systems are physically migrated to a data center environment, then modernization and cost reduction are achieved, but core functionality may be lost or altered in an undesirable fashion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the legacy network topology within the data center environment. Instead of directly migrating physical legacy devices, a virtual representation of the multi-hop network topology is implemented using virtual switches and virtual devices, allowing legacy functionality to be preserved while running on modern infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the modern data center infrastructure and the legacy network requirements. This virtual layer translates and emulates legacy network behavior, acting as a mediator that preserves core functionality while enabling migration to modern systems.
2Device complexity
If a virtual multi-hop network topology is emulated within a data center using a single-hop switch core, then complexity and cost of migration are reduced, but network topology fidelity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple virtual hops into a single physical hop by consolidating the network core into a single switch fabric. Multiple virtual devices and topology elements are combined within this unified switch core, allowing multi-hop topology emulation without requiring multiple physical network segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from physical spatial distribution (multiple physical hops) to virtual logical distribution (multi-hop topology in single-hop fabric). The network topology is realized in a different dimension - using virtual switching and logical routing rather than physical network segmentation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus can include a switch fabric. The apparatus can also include a first edge device operatively coupled to an edge of the switch fabric and having a plurality of ports. The apparatus can also include a second edge device operatively coupled to the edge of the switch fabric and having a plurality of ports, the switch fabric defining a plurality of single-hop paths between the first edge device and the second edge device. The first edge device configured to send to a peripheral processing device operatively coupled to the first edge device a representation of a mapping of a portion of the plurality of ports of the first edge device and a portion of the plurality of ports of the second edge device to a plurality of ports included in a non-edge device represented within a virtual multi-hop network topology.