VLAN Aggregation Using MAC and Translation Tables

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing VLAN aggregation methods face inefficiencies due to resource shortages in access control lists (ACLs), leading to low message processing speeds when matching parameters in messages with relation tables.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a MAC table and a VLAN translation table to determine virtual port information and second VLAN identifiers, allowing messages to be sent directly to entity ports without relying on ACLs for entity port determination, thereby increasing processing speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ACL-based parameter matching is used to determine entity ports in VLAN aggregation, then message routing accuracy is maintained, but message processing efficiency deteriorates due to ACL resource shortages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage routing accuracyVSAvoidmessage processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the VLAN aggregation function into two independent tables: a VLAN translation table that maps VLAN IDs to entity ports, and a MAC table that handles MAC address-based forwarding. This segmentation eliminates the need for ACL-based parameter matching while maintaining routing accuracy, as each table handles specific forwarding criteria independently without resource conflicts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a VLAN translation table as an intermediary mechanism between the incoming message and the entity port determination. This intermediary table stores pre-configured VLAN ID to entity port mappings, allowing the system to quickly determine the destination entity port through simple table lookup rather than complex ACL parameter matching, thus improving processing efficiency while maintaining routing accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If ACL resources are increased to improve message processing efficiency, then message processing efficiency improves, but device complexity and resource cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage processing efficiencyVSAvoidACL resource requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the entity port determination function from the ACL subsystem and places it in a dedicated VLAN translation table. This extraction eliminates the dependency on ACL resources for entity port determination, allowing message processing efficiency to improve without increasing ACL resource requirements or device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The VLAN translation table serves multiple functions: it performs VLAN ID to entity port mapping, maintains forwarding relationships for aggregated VLANs, and enables efficient message routing. This multi-functional approach improves message processing efficiency without requiring additional specialized resources, as the same table structure handles various forwarding scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3474497B1Aggregating virtual local area networks
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 ZTE CORP
  • EP3474497B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3474497B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3474497B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed in embodiments of the present disclosure are a method and device for aggregating a virtual local area network. The method comprises: obtaining a first message, the first message carrying a media access control MAC address; determining, according to the MAC address and a MAC table, virtual port information of a first VLAN outputting the first message, the MAC table at least comprising a destination MAC address, and relationship information of a first VLAN identifier corresponding to the virtual port information; determining a second VLAN identifier according to the virtual port information, the first VLAN identifier and a first VLAN translation table, the first VLAN translation table comprising the virtual port information, and a mapping relationship of the first VLAN identifier corresponding to the second VLAN identifier; and transmitting the first message to the second VLAN. According to the present invention, an entity port is determined according to a first VLAN translation table, avoiding having to determine the entity port according to a control table, thereby increasing the message processing rate.