Abstract: Techniques for intelligent, load adaptive, and self optimizing master node selection in an extended bridge are provided. According to one embodiment, a controlling bridge (CB) node that is part of a plurality of CB nodes in the extended bridge can determine a set of local configuration parameters and a set of local runtime parameters. The CB node can further broadcast the set of local configuration parameters and the set of local runtime parameters to other CB nodes in the plurality of CB nodes. The CB node can also receive a set of configuration parameters and a set of runtime parameters from each of the other CB nodes in the plurality of CB nodes. The CB node can then determine a particular CB node in the plurality of CB nodes to be a master CB node of the extended bridge based on the set of local configuration parameters, the set of local runtime parameters, the received sets of configuration parameters, and the received sets of runtime parameters.

Abstract: Techniques for providing high availability for distributed network services in an extended bridge are provided. According to one embodiment, a controlling bridge (CB) of the extended bridge can detect a status change of a port extender (PE) in the bridge. The CB can further identify one or more rule contexts associated with the PE. For each rule context in the one or more rule contexts, the CB can then determine, based on the rule context, one or more packet classification rules to be programmed on the PE, and can transmit a message identifying the one or more packet classification rules to the PE.

Abstract: Techniques for performing distributed provisioning of packet classification rules in an extended bridge are provided. According to one embodiment, a controlling bridge (CB) of the extended bridge can receive a command to create or delete a packet classification rule for one or more virtual ports of the extended bridge. The CB can further determine a port extender (PE) of the extended bridge that hosts one or more physical ports corresponding to the one or more virtual ports. The CB can then transmit a message to the PE with instructions for creating or deleting the packet classification rule in a ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) of the PE.

Abstract: Techniques for providing high availability for distributed network services in an extended bridge are provided. According to one embodiment, a controlling bridge (CB) of the extended bridge can detect a status change of a port extender (PE) in the bridge. The CB can further identify one or more rule contexts associated with the PE. For each rule context in the one or more rule contexts, the CB can then determine, based on the rule context, one or more packet classification rules to be programmed on the PE, and can transmit a message identifying the one or more packet classification rules to the PE.

Abstract: Techniques for performing distributed provisioning of packet classification rules in an extended bridge are provided. According to one embodiment, a controlling bridge (CB) of the extended bridge can receive a command to create or delete a packet classification rule for one or more virtual ports of the extended bridge. The CB can further determine a port extender (PE) of the extended bridge that hosts one or more physical ports corresponding to the one or more virtual ports. The CB can then transmit a message to the PE with instructions for creating or deleting the packet classification rule in a ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) of the PE.

Abstract: Techniques for intelligent, load adaptive, and self optimizing master node selection in an extended bridge are provided. According to one embodiment, a controlling bridge (CB) node that is part of a plurality of CB nodes in the extended bridge can determine a set of local configuration parameters and a set of local runtime parameters. The CB node can further broadcast the set of local configuration parameters and the set of local runtime parameters to other CB nodes in the plurality of CB nodes. The CB node can also receive a set of configuration parameters and a set of runtime parameters from each of the other CB nodes in the plurality of CB nodes. The CB node can then determine a particular CB node in the plurality of CB nodes to be a master CB node of the extended bridge based on the set of local configuration parameters, the set of local runtime parameters, the received sets of configuration parameters, and the received sets of runtime parameters.