Virtual Stack Recovery via Priority-Based Fragment Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple-active detection mechanisms for virtual stack recovery are non-deterministic and require intermediate devices or onerous configurations, making it unpredictable which switch remains operational during a stack split.
Innovation Solution
A priority-based multiple-active detection mechanism that uses configurable switch priorities to determine which fragment to keep active during a stack split, allowing user control and eliminating the need for intermediary devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing multiple-active detection mechanisms are used for virtual stack recovery, then stack split detection is possible, but the mechanism is non-deterministic and unpredictable which switch remains operational
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a priority parameter assigned to each switch in the stack. When a stack split occurs, switches compare their priority parameters to determine which fragment should remain active. The fragment containing the switch with the highest priority becomes the active fragment, providing deterministic and predictable behavior while maintaining reliable stack split detection.
2Reliability
If existing multiple-active detection mechanisms are used, then stack split detection is possible, but intermediary devices or onerous configurations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables switches within the stack to autonomously detect stack splits and determine the active fragment using their own priority parameters and communication with other stack members. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external intermediary devices or complex configuration requirements, while maintaining reliable stack split detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If priority-based multiple-active detection is implemented, then user control and determinism are achieved, but additional configuration parameters are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The priority parameter is configured in advance during stack setup, allowing users to pre-determine which switch should be operational in case of a stack split. This preliminary configuration enables deterministic behavior when needed, while the parameter itself is simple and does not significantly increase configuration complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to a method comprising detecting, by a first network device, an interruption in a network stack of network devices connected to each other through a plurality of dedicated links. The method may also include identifying, by the first network device, a network device in the network stack with a highest split priority, determining, by the first network device, that the network device with the highest split priority belongs to a first fragment of the network stack and marking, by the first network device, the first fragment as an active fragment of the network stack.