Virtual RBridge for TRILL Link Aggregation Redundancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies do not provide a scalable and flexible solution for link aggregation in networks that include both TRILL-capable and non-TRILL devices, leading to inefficiencies in redundancy and failover mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A virtual RBridge identifier is assigned to multiple TRILL RBridges sharing an aggregate link, allowing dual-homed end stations to appear logically coupled to a single virtual RBridge, enabling fast protection switching and timely topology convergence by marking incoming frames with a virtual RBridge nickname and sharing MAC address reachability between partner RBridges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If link aggregation is implemented in traditional networks, then redundancy is improved, but scalability and flexibility are limited when integrating TRILL-capable and non-TRILL devices

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveredundancyVSAvoidscalability and flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a virtual RBridge as an intermediary entity that mediates between multiple physical RBridges and non-TRILL devices. The virtual RBridge allows TRILL-capable devices to participate in link aggregation while maintaining compatibility with non-TRILL devices, thus improving both redundancy and adaptability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a virtualization dimension to the traditional link aggregation architecture by introducing virtual RBridges. This dimensional transformation allows the system to maintain TRILL protocol benefits while preserving compatibility with non-TRILL devices, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and adaptability maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple physical RBridges are used for link aggregation, then redundancy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveredundancyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple physical RBridges into a single virtual RBridge entity. This consolidation allows the system to achieve redundancy through the virtual RBridge while reducing the apparent device complexity, as the virtual RBridge presents a unified interface to non-TRILL devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the RBridge functionality that simplifies the interaction model. The virtual RBridge copies the essential forwarding and control functions needed for link aggregation while abstracting away the complexity of multiple physical RBridges from non-TRILL devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2412129B1Redundant host connection in a routed network

Publication Date: 2015.07.22 BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS INC

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AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch. The switch includes a management mechanism and a configuration mechanism. During operation, the management mechanism is configured to operate the switch in conjunction with the partner switch as a single logical switch. The configuration mechanism is configured to assign a virtual switch identifier to the logical switch.