US 8,339,994 B2 · Defining an optimal topology for a group of logical switches

Abstract

A Layer 2 network switch fabric is partitionable into a plurality of virtual fabrics. A network switch chassis is partitionable into a plurality of logical switches, each of which may be associated with one of the virtual fabrics, including a base switch. Logical switches in multiple network switch chassis are connected by logical connections, such as logical inter-switch links that use physical connections, such as extended inter-switch links between base switches, for data transport. A topology of logical connections is established that balances competing metrics, such as robustness and scalability, while maintaining alignment with the topology of the physical connections. A topology factor allows establishing different topologies with different balances between the competing metrics.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A method of configuring a plurality of network switches, each partitionable into a base switch and at least one logical switch, the method comprising:

assigning by a network switch some of the logical switches of the plurality of network switches to a virtual fabric of logical switches;
creating by the network switch a first graph wherein nodes of the first graph represent the logical switches assigned to the virtual fabric;
increasing by the network switch a connectivity of the first graph responsive to a predetermined topology factor;
and
creating by the network switch logical inter-switch links between logical switches assigned to the virtual fabric corresponding to edges in the first graph.

2 more elements

A switch chassis, partitionable into at least one logical switch and a corresponding base switch, comprising:

a processor;
a storage medium, connected to the processor;
a software, stored on the storage medium, that when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform actions comprising:
assigning logical switches of the switch chassis and other switch chassis to a virtual fabric of logical switches;
creating a first graph wherein nodes of the first graph represent the logical switches assigned to the virtual fabric;
increasing a connectivity of the first graph responsive to a predetermined topology factor;
and
creating logical inter-switch links between logical switches assigned to the virtual fabric corresponding to edges in the first graph.

5 more elements

A non-transitory computer readable medium on which is stored software for managing a plurality of network switches, each partitionable into at least one logical switch and a corresponding base switch, the software for instructing processors of the plurality of network switches to perform actions comprising:

assigning the logical switches to a virtual fabric of logical switches;
creating a first graph and a second graph,
wherein nodes of the first graph represent the logical switches assigned to the virtual fabric,
wherein nodes of the second graph represent the base switches of the plurality of network switches, and
wherein edges of the second graph represent physical inter-switch links between pairs of the base switches;
connecting each node of the first graph with as many edges as a degree of a node of the second graph representing the base switch corresponding to the logical switch represented by the node of the first graph;
increasing a connectivity of the first graph responsive to a predetermined topology factor;
and
creating logical inter-switch links between logical switches assigned to the virtual fabric corresponding to edges in the first graph.

6 more elements

A method of configuring a network of switches, each partitionable into at least one logical switch and a corresponding base switch, comprising:

assigning by a switch some of the logical switches of the plurality of network switches to a virtual fabric of logical switches;
creating by the switch a first graph,
wherein nodes of the first graph represent the base switches of the plurality of network switches, and
wherein edges of the first graph represent physical inter-switch links between pairs of the base switches;
pruning by the switch an edge node of the first graph if a logical switch corresponding to the base switch represented by the edge node is not assigned to the virtual fabric;
creating by the switch a second graph wherein nodes of the second graph represent the logical switches assigned to the virtual fabric;
connecting by the switch each node of the second graph with as many edges as a degree of a node of the first graph representing the base switch corresponding to the logical switch represented by the node of the second graph;
increasing by the switch a connectivity of the second graph responsive to a predetermined topology factor;
and
creating by the switch logical inter-switch links between logical switches assigned to the virtual fabric corresponding to edges in the second graph.

7 more elements

A method of configuring a plurality of network switches, each partitionable into at least one logical switch, the method comprising:

assigning by a network switch some of the logical switches of the plurality of network switches to a first plurality of logical switches;
creating by the network switch a first graph wherein nodes of the first graph represent the logical switches assigned to the first plurality of logical switches;
increasing by the network switch a connectivity of the first graph responsive to a predetermined topology factor;
and
creating by the network switch logical connections between logical switches assigned to the first plurality of logical switches corresponding to edges in the first graph.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Defining an optimal topology for a group of logical switches

Life of this patent

Defining an optimal topology for a group of logical switches

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27