Network Switch VLAN Packet Forwarding with Multiple ID Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network switches supporting a single VLAN ID space cannot differentiate between multiple LAN segments or physical LANs with the same VLAN ID, leading to incorrect egress port forwarding and increased costs due to the need for multiple switches.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network switch that supports multiple VLAN ID spaces by classifying ports into VLAN members and forwarding scopes, allowing for accurate egress port determination based on both VLAN members and forwarding scopes, enabling correct packet forwarding within a single switch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a network switch supports a single VLAN ID space, then the switch can process packets within that VLAN, but it cannot differentiate between multiple LAN segments with the same VLAN ID, leading to incorrect egress port forwarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single VLAN ID space into multiple VLAN ID spaces, each associated with a specific LAN segment. By segmenting the VLAN identification mechanism, the switch can now distinguish between different LAN segments that previously shared the same VLAN ID, enabling accurate egress port forwarding for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional dimension to VLAN identification by combining VLAN ID with LAN segment identification. This dimensional extension allows the switch to differentiate between multiple LAN segments using the same VLAN ID, transforming the identification from a single-dimension (VLAN ID only) to a two-dimension system (VLAN ID + LAN segment).
2Reliability
If multiple network switches are deployed to support multiple VLAN spaces, then each switch can correctly forward packets within its VLAN space, but the equipment cost and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple network switches into a single switch by enabling one switch to support multiple VLAN ID spaces. This consolidation maintains packet forwarding accuracy for each VLAN space while reducing the total number of switches required in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms a single network switch into a multi-functional device capable of handling multiple VLAN ID spaces simultaneously. By making the switch universal, it can perform the packet forwarding function for multiple VLAN spaces that previously required separate dedicated switches, thereby reducing equipment complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple network switches are used to manage multiple VLAN spaces, then correct packet forwarding is achieved, but the overall network cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple VLAN management functions into a single network switch, reducing the quantity of switches from multiple to one. This merging maintains egress port forwarding accuracy by implementing multiple VLAN ID spaces within the single switch, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware while preserving routing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the network switch universal by enabling it to manage multiple VLAN ID spaces simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows one switch to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized switches, reducing the total quantity of network equipment while maintaining accurate packet forwarding for each VLAN space.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing packets of a VLAN in a network switch is provided. The VLAN comprises a plurality of physical LANs and are divided into a plurality of subnets. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a packet through an ingress port of the network switch, wherein the packet is tagged with a VID of the VLAN; finding a VLAN member according to the VID, wherein the VLAN member represents all ports of the network switch dedicated to serving packets of the VLAN; finding a forwarding scope according to the ingress port, wherein the ingress port is one of the ports dedicated to serving packets of a first subnet of the VLAN and the forwarding scope represents all ports of the network switch dedicated to serving packets of the first subnet; and determining an egress port of the packet according to both the VLAN member and the forwarding scope.