Methods and apparatus for randomly distributing traffic in a multi-path switch fabric
摘要
說明書
In some embodiments, a switch fabric can function as part of a single logical hop (e.g., a single large-scale consolidated L2/L3 switch). Portions of the switch fabric can be physically distributed across, for example, many chassis and/or modules interconnected by multiple physical hops. In some embodiments, for example, a stage of the switch fabric can be included in a first chassis and another stage of the switch fabric can be included in a second chassis. Both of the stages can logically function as part of a single consolidated switch (e.g., within the same logical hop according to a first protocol) but include a separate single physical hop between respective pairs of stages within the consolidated switch. Similarly stated, a physical hop can operatively couple each stage within a switch fabric representing a single logical hop associated with a protocol used to route data outside the switch fabric. Additionally, packet classification and forwarding associated with a protocol used to route data outside a single logical hop need not occur at each stage within the single logical hop. In some embodiments, for example, packet classification and forwarding associated with a first protocol (e.g., Ethernet) can occur prior to a module and/or device sending the data packet to another module and/or device via the single logical hop.
As used herein, a switch module that is within a switch fabric can be, for example, any assembly and/or set of operatively-coupled electrical components that define one or more switches within a stage of a switch fabric. In some embodiments, a switch module can include, for example, a memory, a processor, electrical traces, optical connectors, software (executing in hardware) and/or the like.
