Discovery and self-organization of topology in multi-chassis systems
US7827248B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L41/0893
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Multi-chassis systems determine their topology and self-organize through a discovery process. The systems include one or more chassis, each with individual blades and ports, which are serially chained together. When the discovery process is initiated, chassis identification data in buffers in each chassis is propagated to adjacent chassis and is then used to initiate communication via a network connection. Once the chassis are able to communicate via the network connection, at least one chassis in the system receives the chassis identification data of each chassis and can thereby identify each chassis. The chain is then divided into one or more sync-groups and master and slave chassis are designated. Each sync-group is configured to ignore data from other sync-groups. Domains are also configured from sets of ports within each sync-group. Events that may trigger the discovery process include power-up, the connection of a cable, the removal of a cable, or instructions to transition from normal mode to discovery mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.