Alcatel Lucent

Amy Chung-Hua Chang

Roberto H Jacob Da Silva

Ignatius D Santoso

Anand Vinayagam

Nalinakshan Kunnath

Stephen C Hanka

Shaofu Wu

A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes configured with a master virtual chassis address. The network nodes are connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of data packets between the network nodes. The data packets include source MAC addresses and associated hardware device information, such as source chassis ID, source network interface identifier and source port identifier information. The network nodes use this information to maintain synchronized MAC address tables for forwarding of data packets in the virtual chassis system. One or more control protocols in the network node are used for topology discovery, master network node election, generation of routing tables, health monitoring and other functions.

Virtual chassis system control protocols

A virtual chassis system includes a plurality of network nodes configured with a master virtual chassis address. The network nodes are connected by virtual fabric link (VFLs) that provide a connection for exchange of packets between the network nodes. The virtual chassis system is operable to provide warnings to help prevent a virtual chassis split event in response to an administrative action. The topology of the virtual chassis system is analyzed to determine the possible impact of one or more administrative actions. Based on this analysis, a warning is generated when an administrative action is requested that may lead directly or indirectly to a virtual chassis split.

System and method for virtual chassis split prevention

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Temple City, CA, United States of America

Amy Chung-Hua Chang