Two-Level VS Tunnel Multiplexing for Ethernet Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet technologies face scalability limitations due to the 12-bit VLAN tag ID constraint, which restricts the number of VS connections per link to 4096, making them unsuitable for large-scale networks, and also result in unpredictable network behavior due to MAC address learning and forwarding uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
Establishing two levels of VS tunnels, where a first level VS tunnel multiplexes and demultiplexes multiple second level VS tunnels using unique VC tags, allowing each first level VS tunnel to bear up to 2^24 second level VS tunnels, thereby enhancing scalability and eliminating the need for MAC address learning in intermediate nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single layer of VLAN tags is used for VS switching, then the switching process is simple, but the number of VS connections is limited to 4096 due to the 12-bit VLAN tag ID constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the VS connection identification into two separate layers: an outer VLAN tag for basic VS tunnel identification and an inner VLAN tag for additional connection differentiation. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the 12-bit limitation by combining two 12-bit identifiers, effectively providing 24 bits of connection identification capability while keeping each layer's processing relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional VLAN tag identification system to a two-dimensional identification system by stacking two VLAN tags. The outer VLAN tag provides the first dimension of identification, while the inner VLAN tag provides the second dimension, allowing for exponentially more connection possibilities without increasing the bit length of individual tags.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MAC address learning is used in intermediate nodes, then forwarding flexibility is improved, but network behavior becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the MAC address learning function from intermediate VS tunnel nodes and removes it entirely from the VS tunnel forwarding process. Instead, MAC address learning is confined to edge devices only. This extraction eliminates the source of unpredictable behavior in the core network while preserving necessary forwarding flexibility at the edges where it is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces VLAN tags as an intermediary mechanism for forwarding decisions in intermediate nodes, replacing MAC address-based forwarding. The VLAN tags carry explicit forwarding information that intermediate nodes can process deterministically without needing to learn MAC addresses, thus ensuring predictable network behavior while maintaining forwarding capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An Ethernet frame transmission method is provided. The method includes the following steps. An ingress edge node of a first level virtual local area network (VLAN) switching (VS) tunnel connected to a second level VS tunnel multiplexes the second level VS tunnel bearing an Ethernet frame sent from a transmitter into the first level VS tunnel, in which the second level VS tunnel is identified by a unique virtual channel (VC) tag. An intermediate node of the first level VS tunnel switches the Ethernet frame of the first level VS tunnel by adopting a VS technology, and transparently transmits the second level VS tunnel and the VC tag carried by the first level VS tunnel. An egress edge node of the first level VS tunnel demultiplexes the first level VS tunnel into a corresponding second level VS tunnel according to the VC tag to transmit the Ethernet frame. An Ethernet architecture is also provided. Thus, the scalability of the VS technology can be improved.