Weighted Link Aggregation for Mixed Speed Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link aggregation techniques, as defined in IEEE 802.3ad, require all links in a group to have the same speed, limiting the efficient utilization of links with different speeds in communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A weighted link aggregation method that uses a port selection table weighted according to the speeds of the ports in the link aggregation group, where the number of table entries for each port is proportional to its speed, to select the most efficient port for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all links in a link aggregation group must have the same speed (IEEE 802.3ad requirement), then the link aggregation is simple to implement, but the efficient utilization of links with different speeds is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of link speed uniformity requirement, allowing links with different speeds to be aggregated together. It introduces weighted port selection based on port speeds to manage the complexity, thereby improving productivity by utilizing faster links more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different ports with different weights according to their individual speeds. Each port is assigned a weight proportional to its speed, and the port selection table reflects this by having more entries for faster ports, thereby optimizing local port utilization while maintaining overall link aggregation functionality.
2Productivity
If a port selection table is weighted according to port speeds with more entries for faster ports, then the traffic distribution is optimized, but the table structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the port selection table structure by changing the number of entries for each port based on its speed. Faster ports receive more entries, which optimizes traffic distribution efficiency. This parameter change is implemented in a way that maintains manageable complexity through systematic weighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the port selection table into multiple entries, where each entry corresponds to a port. By segmenting the table according to port speeds (with faster ports having more segments/entries), it achieves optimized traffic distribution while keeping the structure organized and manageable through systematic segmentation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes a method and apparatus for forwarding a packet from a first node toward a second node using a link aggregation group that includes as plurality of links connecting the first node and the second node. In one embodiment, a method includes selecting one of a plurality of ports of the link aggregation group using a weighting of the ports according to a respective plurality of port speeds of the ports of the link aggregation group and propagating the packet from the first node toward the second node via the selected one of the ports of the link aggregation group. In one embodiment, the port is selected using a port selection table weighted according to the ports speeds of the ports of the link aggregation group. In one embodiment, for each port of the link aggregation group, the number of table entries of the port selection table is substantially proportional to the port speed of that port of the link aggregation group.