Dynamic load balancing for layer-2 link aggregation
AssigneeHarris Stratex Networks Operating Corporation
InventorsSergio Licardie, Chaoming Zeng
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Load balancing for layer-2 link aggregation involves initial assignment of link aggregation keys (LAGKs) and reassignment of LAGKs when a load imbalance condition that merits action is discovered. Load conditions change dynamically and for this reason load balancing tends to also be dynamic. Load balancing is preferably performed when it is necessary. Thus an imbalance condition that triggers load balancing is preferably limited to conditions such as when there is frame drop, loss of synchronization or physical link capacity exceeded.
Claims19
A method for providing dynamic load balancing in a data communications system, comprising:
- creating a link aggregation group in a data communications system with a plurality of physical links each of which having a capacity for transporting egress data or any part thereof, the link aggregation group formed by combining two or more of the plurality of physical links into a single logical link for egress data;
- allocating to the link aggregation group a set of link aggregation keys with each link aggregation key being assigned to a particular one of the physical links in the link aggregation group;
- deriving from egress data a data rate for each of the link aggregation keys;
- performing dynamic load balancing based on the data rates and capacities of the physical links in the link aggregation group;
- and
- wherein performing dynamic load balancing comprises reassigning at least one of the set of link aggregation keys from a first physical link of the plurality of physical links in the link aggregation group to a second physical link of the plurality of physical links in the link aggregation group;
- and
- wherein the egress data is provided over the second physical link of the plurality of physical links in the link aggregation group based on the key value and the reassigned matching link aggregation key.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.