Virtual Routing Node Identifier for Non-TRILL End Station Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
End stations in layer-2 networks are limited to operating as leaf nodes with no redundancy, unable to benefit from advanced routing functionalities available in TRILL networks, as they cannot participate in the routing domain without running the TRILL protocol.
Innovation Solution
Assigning a virtual routing node identifier to non-routing nodes allows them to participate in the routing domain by advertising reachability information and enabling multiple path connectivity, facilitating link aggregation and redundancy against failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If end stations operate as leaf nodes in layer-2 networks, then network simplicity is maintained, but node redundancy and routing functionality are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of a routing bridge identifier and assigns it to the non-routing end station. This virtual routing bridge identifier allows the end station to be treated as if it were a routing bridge, enabling it to participate in TRILL routing without actually implementing routing bridge functionality. The end station receives a copy of the routing identifier space, allowing it to be addressed and routed to throughout the TRILL network while maintaining its simple end station architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If TRILL protocol is implemented throughout the network, then routing functionality and redundancy are improved, but protocol complexity and compatibility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces routing bridges as intermediaries that translate between TRILL routing domain and traditional layer-2 domain. The routing bridges implement the TRILL protocol and maintain routing tables, while the non-routing end stations continue to operate with simple layer-2 MAC addressing. The routing bridges perform the complex routing operations and protocol handling, allowing end stations to benefit from TRILL routing functionality without implementing the TRILL protocol themselves.
3Reliability
If end stations connect to multiple routing nodes, then redundancy and protection against failures are improved, but network topology complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the routing bridge identifier that is shared across multiple physical routing bridges. When an end station is assigned a virtual routing bridge identifier, all routing bridges in the TRILL network recognize this identifier and can forward traffic to the end station through any of them. This allows the end station to connect to multiple routing nodes for redundancy while the virtual identifier abstracts the physical topology complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for facilitating assignment of a virtual routing node identifier to a non-routing node. During operation, the system assigns to a non-routing node coupled to a switch a virtual routing node identifier unique to the non-routing node. In addition, the system communicates reachability information corresponding to the virtual routing node identifier to other switches in the network.