Virtual RBridge Link Aggregation for TRILL Network Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not provide a scalable and flexible solution for link aggregation in TRILL networks when coupled with non-TRILL devices, leading to inefficiencies in redundancy and failure handling.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that form a logical virtual RBridge corresponding to a link aggregation group across multiple RBridges, assigning a virtual RBridge identifier based on the link aggregation group ID, allowing dual-homed end stations to use multiple physical links as a single logical aggregate link, and enabling fast protection switching and timely topology convergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If link aggregation is implemented across multiple TRILL switches using conventional methods, then redundancy is provided, but the solution is not scalable and flexible when coupled with non-TRILL devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual RBridge as an intermediary entity that mediates between non-TRILL devices and the TRILL network. The virtual RBridge identifier allows non-TRILL devices to participate in link aggregation without requiring TRILL protocol capabilities, while the TRILL network treats it as a standard RBridge. This intermediary layer resolves the incompatibility and enables scalable, flexible link aggregation across device types.
2Reliability
If multiple physical links are used for dual-homed end stations, then redundancy is improved, but failure detection and protection switching time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical links from dual-homed end stations into a single logical aggregate link represented by a virtual RBridge identifier. This consolidation allows the TRILL network to treat multiple physical paths as one logical entity, enabling faster failure detection and protection switching by simplifying the topology representation and reducing the time required to detect and respond to link failures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional spanning tree protocol is used to couple layer-2 switches, then looping is avoided, but network efficiency is reduced due to forced topology constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional spanning tree protocol mechanism with the TRILL protocol, which uses routing functions and hop count metrics instead of tree-based topology constraints. This substitution allows switches to be coupled in arbitrary topologies without forcing spanning-tree structures, eliminating the efficiency loss while maintaining loop avoidance through routing protocols and virtual RBridge identifiers.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch. The switch includes a forwarding mechanism and a control mechanism. During operation, the forwarding mechanism forwards frames based on their Ethernet headers. The control mechanism operates the switch in conjunction with a separate physical switch as a single logical switch and assigns a virtual switch identifier to the logical switch, wherein the virtual switch identifier is associated with a link aggregation group.