Adaptive Network Function Chaining for Dynamic Traffic Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network routing algorithms fail to dynamically respond to changing conditions, leading to inefficient resource usage and inadequate management of network functions in modern data networks.
Innovation Solution
A system that monitors network traffic and applies network functions based on specified criteria and schedules, dynamically routing traffic through network function providers to optimize resource utilization and adapt to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network functions are applied continuously to all traffic flows, then network security and performance are maintained, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network function chaining where the selection and application of network functions changes based on real-time traffic flow characteristics. The system continuously monitors traffic parameters (bandwidth, packet rate, protocol type, security requirements) and dynamically determines which network functions to apply to each traffic flow, rather than applying functions continuously to all traffic. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain security when needed while conserving network resources during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the set of active network functions based on traffic flow parameters. When traffic characteristics indicate security concerns (e.g., unusual packet rates, suspicious protocols, high bandwidth consumption), the system activates additional network functions such as deep packet inspection, intrusion detection, or firewall rules. For normal traffic, fewer functions are applied, reducing resource consumption while maintaining adequate security.
2Reliability
If network functions are applied to all traffic flows by default, then comprehensive network monitoring is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network traffic into different categories based on traffic flow characteristics and applies different network function chains to each segment. Instead of applying a single comprehensive set of network functions to all traffic (which would increase complexity), the system divides traffic into segments (e.g., secure traffic, unsecured traffic, high-priority traffic, low-priority traffic) and applies appropriate network functions to each segment. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage across different traffic types.
3Productivity
If network functions are dynamically selected based on traffic characteristics, then resource efficiency improves, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple network function chain templates with different security and processing levels. These templates are prepared in advance based on common traffic flow characteristics and security requirements. When a traffic flow is analyzed, the system quickly matches the traffic characteristics against the pre-defined templates and selects the appropriate chain, rather than dynamically constructing a custom chain from scratch. This preliminary preparation reduces routing complexity while maintaining resource efficiency through dynamic selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for dynamically applying network functions to traffic flows based on heuristics, policy conditions and client-specified conditions. A network monitors a network traffic flow to determine whether the network traffic flow meets a first criterion of a first rule. The criterion specifies that when the first criterion is met a network function be used to analyze or process the network traffic flow. When the network traffic flow is determined to meet the first criterion, the network determines a first route through the network to a network function provider that provides the network function and configures one or more routers along the first route to forward the network traffic flow to the network function provider for analysis or processing.