Split multi-link trunking
Split Multi-Link Trunking (SMLT) is an extension of the Multi-Link Trunking Protocol (MLT) in computer networks, introduced by Nortel Networks in 2001, in the IEEE 802.3ad standard . The extension was proposed by Nortel to the IEEE to supplement the IEEE 802 standard.
The link aggregation or the Multi-Link Trunking have they more physical connections in a computer network between two the advantage of network switches permit and their peers and treated as a logical connection. In this way, they enable the network load to be distributed between the available connections and offer a network path with greater bandwidth than that which can be achieved with a simple network connection (link). The named remote stations can be other network switches or devices connected to the network, such as servers.
In general, normal link aggregation, MLT and Etherchannel technology are limited to the fact that all physical network interfaces (ports), for example a link aggregation, must be connected to the same switch on one side of the network. The protocols SMLT, DSMLT and RSMLT developed by Nortel remove this restriction and allow the physical connections to be distributed over two network switches on one network side.
The Split Multi-Link Aggregation thus also enables the use of multiple connections within an Ethernet network that are normally prevented by the Spanning Tree Protocol . This enables active load distribution and the establishment of a high availability network with an availability of 99.999%.
For each upcoming transfer to a data packet is based load balancing - algorithm selected one of the available physical transmission paths (link), normally one is to hash function to the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the applied source and destination device. With normal network traffic, this usually leads to an effective bandwidth of the logical connection that corresponds to the sum of the bandwidths of the individual physical connections. So far, the Spanning Tree Protocol has prevented multiple connections (loop, loop) between different network segments. The redundant connections thus created to be on the safe side can now be used to their full potential with SMLT.
The protocol is protected under US Patent 7173934; when Avaya bought Nortel in September 2009, Avaya became the owner of the patent. Avaya offers switches that support SMLT.
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ Roger Lapuh, Dinesh Mohan, Richard McGovern: Split Multi-link Trunking (SMLT) ( English , txt) In: Internet Draft Network Working Group . July 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
- ↑ Configuration - Link Aggregation, MLT, and SMLT, Avaya Virtual Services Platform 9000 . Avaya. Retrieved April 18, 2011.