VRRP Master Designation via VLT Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information handling systems, the transmission of substantial amounts of control information between peer routers or switches can lead to bandwidth consumption, slowing down user communication due to redundant information transmission and increased complexity in network configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Virtual Link Trunking (VLT) protocol to designate one information handling system as a Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) master node and another as a backup, reducing the need for separate coordination of master/backup node selection and thereby reducing VRRP control information transmission, and increasing the VRRP advertisement interval to minimize redundant data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple peer routers or switches are connected to provide redundancy with separate VRRP coordination, then network reliability is improved, but control information transmission increases and bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges VLT and VRRP protocols into a unified control mechanism. The VLT system directly designates master and backup roles without separate VRRP coordination, combining the functions of both protocols to reduce control information transmission while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The VLT protocol is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both link aggregation (original VLT function) and master/backup designation (traditionally VRRP function). This universal approach eliminates the need for separate VRRP protocol instances, reducing overall control traffic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If peer routers or switches are configured to actively transmit information from and receive information for client information handling systems, then network functionality is improved, but transmission of control information increases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the master/backup designation function from the VRRP protocol and relocates it to the VLT protocol. This separation removes redundant VRRP control packets from the network, reducing bandwidth consumption and improving user experience while preserving active transmission functionality.
3Reliability
If VRRP protocol separately coordinates selection of master/backup nodes, then node designation reliability is improved, but control packets transmitted between nodes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines master/backup designation with VLT link aggregation control into a single coordinated mechanism. The VLT system simultaneously manages link trunking and role assignment, eliminating separate VRRP coordination packets while maintaining reliable node designation through integrated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A first information handling system may detect a VRRP configuration of the first information handling system and a peer information handling system, along with a VLT connection between the first information handling system and the peer information handling system. VLT control information may be used by the first information handling system to designate the first information handling system as a VRRP master node. The first information handling system may then control VRRP operation of the first information handling system and the peer information handling system based, at least in part, on the designation of the first information handling system as the VRRP master node.