Virtual Network Device Distributed Forwarding VLAN Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of multiple redundant components in networks becomes complex due to the need to avoid bridging loops and manage multiple points of management, which complicates network operations even during normal conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual network devices that operate as a single logical unit through distributed forwarding methods, where packets are processed and forwarded across virtual network device sub-units using virtual network device links, performing ingress and egress lookups to manage traffic efficiently and reduce redundant link complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple redundant links are made active during normal network operation to increase bandwidth, then network bandwidth is improved, but network management complexity increases due to the need to avoid bridging loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into distinct VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) that are isolated from each other. Each VLAN operates independently with its own spanning tree protocol instance, allowing redundant links to be activated in different VLANs without creating loops across the entire network. This segmentation enables bandwidth aggregation while managing complexity through virtual isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces VLANs as intermediary structures between network devices and traffic streams. These VLANs act as mediators that organize and isolate traffic, allowing multiple redundant links to be managed through a structured framework. The VLAN tags on packet headers serve as intermediaries that guide traffic through the redundant topology without requiring complex centralized management.
2Reliability
If multiple redundant components are used simultaneously, then network reliability is improved, but the number of management points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple redundant network devices into a single virtual network device by organizing them under a common virtual root bridge. This virtual consolidation allows administrators to manage redundant components through a unified interface rather than individually managing each device. The virtual network device presents a single management point while maintaining the underlying redundancy for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal management framework where the virtual root bridge handles control protocol operations for multiple VLANs and redundant links simultaneously. This universal controller performs multiple functions including spanning tree calculations, VLAN management, and redundancy coordination, reducing the need for separate management points for each redundant component.
3Productivity
If redundant links are activated to provide increased bandwidth, then network capacity is improved, but bridging loop prevention becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into separate VLANs, each with its own spanning tree protocol instance. This segmentation isolates loop-prevention calculations to individual VLAN boundaries, allowing redundant links to be activated within each VLAN without risking loops across the entire network. Each VLAN manages its own topology independently, simplifying the overall loop prevention operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic VLAN configurations where the spanning tree topology can adapt to changing network conditions within each VLAN. The system dynamically calculates optimal paths and activates/deactivates links based on current network state, allowing capacity optimization while maintaining loop prevention through continuous adaptation rather than static configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual network device sub-unit includes an interface to a virtual network device link and a distributed forwarding module. The interface receives a packet, and the distributed forwarding module forwards the packet received by the interface. The distributed forwarding module performs an ingress lookup if the packet includes a multicast destination address and an egress lookup if the packet includes a unicast destination address. If the packet includes a multicast destination address, the distributed forwarding module replicates the packet for each of several outgoing VLANs associated with the multicast destination address. If an additional multicast packet is received via an interface that is not coupled to a virtual network device link, the distributed forwarding module sends at most one copy of the additional multicast packet via the virtual network device link.