Disaggregated network management
AssigneeRaptor Networks Technology, Inc.
InventorThomas Wittenschlaeger
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Abstract
Systems and methods for disaggregated management of a network fabric are presented. Network elements composing the network fabric can operate as a fabric manager with respect to one or more management functions while also continuing to operate as a communication conduit among hosts using the fabric. The roles or responsibilities of a fabric manager can migrate from one network element to another to preserve management coherency as well as to secure management of the network. Additionally, fabric managers communicate with the network fabric through one or more management channels.
Claims20
A managed network fabric comprising:
- a plurality of network elements interconnected through a plurality physical data links each supporting a plurality of data channels available for general data transport where each element is fungible with respect to a plurality of fabric management functions;
- a first fabric manager selected from the plurality of elements and configured to provide a first fabric management function selected from the plurality of fabric management functions;
- a first management channel constructed from the plurality of data channels selected as a function of a key, and dedicated to transport management information relating to the first fabric management function, where the first management channel comprises two different ones of the data channels on two different ones of the physical links;
- and
- wherein the fabric manager is further configured to communicate the management information over the management channel with at least some of the elements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.