Adaptive Network Function Chaining via Programmable Packet Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network routing approaches fail to dynamically respond to changing conditions, leading to resource wastage by maintaining network functions throughout the duration of a service, even when conditions change.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that dynamically applies programmable packet processor (PPP)-based network functions to traffic flows based on heuristics, policy conditions, and client-specified criteria, routing traffic through PPP-based routers for analysis or processing only when specific conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network functions are maintained throughout the duration of a network service, then service reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network function chaining where the network function path is not fixed but changes based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically adds or removes network functions from the service path by inserting or removing intermediate devices (such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems) based on current network state, traffic characteristics, and security requirements. This dynamic approach allows the network to maintain reliability by applying necessary functions only when needed, rather than permanently, thereby reducing resource consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of network service delivery by adjusting the network function chain configuration based on varying conditions. When network conditions change (such as detecting malicious traffic patterns or security threats), the system modifies the service path parameters by inserting additional network functions. When conditions normalize, the system removes these functions, effectively changing the operational parameters of the network service to balance reliability and resource efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If network functions are dynamically applied based on conditions, then resource consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that manages the dynamic addition and removal of network functions. This intermediary system monitors network conditions, evaluates whether specific functions should be applied, and orchestrates the insertion or removal of intermediate devices in the network path. By centralizing this control logic, the system manages complexity rather than being overwhelmed by it, allowing dynamic function application while maintaining manageable system architecture through a dedicated coordination layer.
3Device complexity
If traditional routing algorithms are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network service into multiple configurable components: the base service path, optional intermediate network functions, and control logic. This segmentation allows traditional simple routing to remain for the core data transmission while separate modular network functions (firewalls, intrusion detection, packet inspection) can be dynamically inserted or removed from the path. Each segment can be independently configured and managed, maintaining simplicity in the core routing while adding adaptability through modular, condition-based function insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for dynamically applying PPP-based 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 PPP-based 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 PPP-based router that provides the PPP-based network function and configures one or more routers along the first route to forward the network traffic flow to the PPP-based router for analysis or processing.