Systems and methods for detecting and resolving split-controller or split-stack conditions in port-extended networks

A method for resolving split conditions in a port-extended network, the method comprising:

• receiving first information indicative of a first MAC address of a first controller on a first fabric link;
• receiving second information indicative of a second MAC address of a second controller on a second fabric link, wherein the first and second controllers comprise access layer switches;
• determining that the first MAC address differs from the second MAC address by generating a stack-split conflict notification message and transmitting the stack-split conflict notification message to a distribution layer control switch associated with the port-extended network;
• determining that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with a primary controller of the port-extended network;
• and
• designating one of the first controller or the second controller as the primary controller of the port-extended network based on the determination that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with the primary controller.

A network switch associated with a port-extended network, comprising:

• a first plurality of fabric ports configured for communication with at least one node coupled to the port-extended network;
• a processor, communicatively coupled to the first plurality of fabric ports, and configured to:
• receive first information indicative of a first MAC address of a first controller from a first of the fabric ports;
• receive second information indicative of a second MAC address of a second controller from a second of the fabric ports, first and second controllers comprise distribution layer switches;
• determine that the first MAC address differs from the second MAC address by generating a split-brain conflict notification message and transmitting the split-brain conflict notification message to each access layer control switch associated with the port-extended network;
• determine that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with a primary controller of the port-extended network;
• and
• designate one of the first controller or the second controller as the primary controller of the port-extended network based on the determination that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with the primary controller.

A network switch associated with a port-extended network, comprising:

• a first plurality of fabric ports configured for communication with at least one node coupled to the port-extended network;
• a processor, communicatively coupled to the first plurality of fabric ports, and configured to:
• receive first information indicative of a first MAC address of a first controller from a first of the fabric ports;
• receive second information indicative of a second MAC address of a second controller from a second of the fabric ports, wherein the first and second controllers comprise access layer switches;
• determine that the first MAC address differs from the second MAC address by generating a stack-split conflict notification message and transmitting the stack-split conflict notification message to a distribution layer control switch associated with the port-extended network;
• determine that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with a primary controller of the port-extended network;
• and
• designate one of the first controller or the second controller as the primary controller of the port-extended network based on the determination that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with the primary controller.

A computer-readable medium for use on a computer system, the computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions for causing the computer system to perform a method for resolving split conditions in a port-extended network, wherein execution of the instructions, cause the processor to:

• receive first information indicative of a first MAC address of a first controller on a first fabric link;
• receive second information indicative of a second MAC address of a second controller on a second fabric link, wherein the first and second controllers comprise distribution layer switches;
• determine that the first MAC address differs from the second MAC address by generating a split-brain conflict notification message and transmitting the split-brain conflict notification message to each access layer control switch associated with the port-extended network;
• determine that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with an active controller of the port-extended network;
• and
• designate one of the first controller or the second controller as the active controller of the port-extended network based on the determination that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with the active controller.

A computer-readable medium for use on a computer system, the computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions for causing the computer system to perform a method for resolving split conditions in a port-extended network, wherein execution of the instructions, cause the processor to:

• receive first information indicative of a first MAC address of a first controller on a first fabric link;
• receive second information indicative of a second MAC address of a second controller on a second fabric link, wherein the first and second controllers comprise access layer switches;
• determine that the first MAC address differs from the second MAC address by generating a stack-split conflict notification message and transmitting the stack-split conflict notification message to a distribution layer control switch associated with the port-extended network;
• determine that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with a primary controller of the port-extended network;
• and
• designate one of the first controller or the second controller as the primary controller of the port-extended network based on the determination that one of the first MAC address or the second MAC address was previously associated with the primary controller.