Virtual Router Indirection Mapping VLAN Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networking devices face challenges in providing scalable virtual router functionality due to frequent changes in network usage and standards, particularly with the introduction of new VLAN formats, which require frequent retooling and lead to inefficient resource management as the number of VLANs increases.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that abstracts virtual identifiers from packet fields, using an indirection mapping process to insulate the router core from changes, allowing for flexible and scalable virtual router functionality by forming a key from VLAN and other packet fields and mapping it into abstracted virtual identifiers, enabling core router functions without the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current networking devices use direct virtual identifiers (VLAN field) for virtual router functions, then the device can perform basic virtual routing, but the device must be retooled frequently when VLAN formats change and resource consumption increases with more VLANs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the physical VLAN identifiers and the virtual router core functions. This intermediary translates various VLAN formats (12-bit, 24-bit, etc.) into a standardized internal representation, allowing the router core to remain unchanged while adapting to different VLAN formats. The translation layer absorbs the complexity of format changes, preventing frequent device retooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the virtual router functionality into two independent parts: the VLAN identifier translation layer and the core routing functions. This segmentation allows the translation layer to handle format variations independently, while the core routing logic remains stable and reusable across different VLAN formats and network standards.
2Quantity of substance
If the VLAN field size is increased to accommodate more VLANs, then more VLANs can be supported, but the number of virtual port state tables and other resources must be maintained in direct proportion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal resource structure where a single set of virtual port state tables and routing resources can serve multiple VLANs through the standardized identifier translation. Instead of having separate resources for each VLAN, the translation layer allows dynamic mapping of VLAN identifiers to shared resources, enabling one resource set to handle an arbitrary number of VLANs without proportional increases in resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing virtual router functionality to a packet responsive to one or more abstracted virtual packet identifiers is provided. The method occurs in a networking device having a router core. The one or more abstracted virtual identifiers are abstracted from one or more virtual identifiers derived from the packet, thus insulating the router core from changes in the one or more virtual identifiers. A packet is received having a VLAN field, and a key is formed from the VLAN field and at least one other packet field. The key is mapped into an abstracted virtual identifier using an indirection mapping process. One or more core virtual router functions are then performed responsive to the abstracted virtual identifier.