V-Switch Scalability via Double VLAN Tagging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Virtual-Switch (V-Switch) technology is limited by the number of VLAN tags, which restricts the number of V-Switch connections on each local link to 4096, hindering the scalability and application of V-Switch technology.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses at least two VLAN tags, including an outer and an inner VLAN tag, for V-Switch correlation, enabling QinQ encapsulation and VLAN protocol encapsulation to extend the number of V-Switch connections by setting up correlations in a VLAN switching table, thereby overcoming the limitation of 4096 VLAN tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional single VLAN tag switching is used, then the switching implementation is simple, but the number of V-Switch connections is limited to 4096
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements double VLAN tag switching by nesting two VLAN tags (outer VLAN tag and inner VLAN tag) together to form a composite identification mechanism. The outer VLAN tag and inner VLAN tag are stacked like nested dolls, where each tag provides an additional layer of identification, thereby expanding the total number of distinguishable connections from 4096 to 4096×4096 while maintaining structured organization and manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-dimension VLAN tagging to two-dimension VLAN tagging by introducing both outer and inner VLAN tags. This dimensional expansion allows the system to address connections in a two-dimensional space (outer tag × inner tag) rather than a single dimension, effectively multiplying the available connection identifiers and solving the limitation of 4096 connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If double VLAN tag switching is implemented, then the number of V-Switch connections is expanded to 4096×4096, but the switching implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VLAN switching function into distinct components: outer VLAN tag processing and inner VLAN tag processing. By dividing the switching logic into separate handling stages for each tag type, the system manages the complexity of double tag switching through modularization, making each segment independently manageable while achieving the combined effect of expanded connection capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary classification and routing decisions based on the outer VLAN tag before processing the inner VLAN tag. This preliminary action allows the system to organize and pre-sort traffic streams according to the outer tag, reducing the complexity of subsequent inner tag processing and enabling more efficient handling of the expanded connection space.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and a device for implementing a V-Switch. Through setting up a V-Switch correlation with respect to at least two VLAN tags, a DRE performs a V-Switch transmission on an Ethernet frame received according to the V-Switch correlation with respect to at least two VLAN tags. The invention can expand the number of V-Switch connections carried on a local link to 4096×4096, or even to 4096×4096×4096 . . . . Therefore, the problem of insufficient VLAN tag resources is solved, and the requirements for the scale of V-Switch technology is met. Moreover, a more effective V-Switch method is provided, the switching capability of V-Switch is improved, and the application scale of V-Switch technology is enlarged.