Adaptive Traffic Engineering Configuration in SDN

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing traffic engineering solutions in software-defined networking (SDN) do not consider radio access networks (RAN) and lack adaptability to changing network conditions, leading to suboptimal traffic management and Quality of Experience (QoE)/Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive traffic engineering configuration system that dynamically adjusts TE configurations based on real-time network conditions, including network load, traffic profile, and QoE/QoS feedback, allowing for changes between path-based and arc-based TE, incremental and global TE, and objective function adjustments to optimize traffic decisions across both core and RAN.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If static TE configuration is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTE configuration complexityVSAvoidAdaptability to network conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TE configuration that automatically adapts to changing network conditions by monitoring traffic patterns, network load, and performance metrics. The system transitions from static to dynamic configuration, allowing TE parameters to be adjusted in real-time based on actual network state, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where network performance is continuously monitored and fed back to the TE configuration system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of TE parameters based on observed network conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance without manual intervention while adapting to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If adaptive TE configuration is implemented, then adaptability to network conditions is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to network conditionsVSAvoidTE configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the TE configuration system automatically monitors network conditions, analyzes performance metrics, and adjusts configuration parameters without external intervention. This automation reduces the perceived complexity for operators while maintaining high adaptability, as the system serves itself rather than requiring complex manual management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple TE parameter sets and policies that can be automatically selected based on network conditions. Rather than requiring real-time complex calculations, the system has pre-prepared configuration options that can be rapidly deployed, reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If frequent TE configuration changes are made, then response to network conditions is improved, but system stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveResponse speed to network changesVSAvoidTE configuration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by scheduling TE configuration reviews and updates at appropriate intervals rather than continuously. The system monitors network conditions continuously but only triggers configuration changes when significant changes are detected or at predetermined review periods, balancing responsive action with configuration stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making targeted, localized TE configuration changes only in specific network segments or for specific traffic flows that require adjustment, rather than globally changing all TE parameters. This approach maintains overall system stability while responding locally to specific network conditions that warrant change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3090513B1Adaptive traffic engineering configuration
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3090513B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3090513B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3090513B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

System and method embodiments are provided for adaptive traffic engineering configuration. The embodiments enable the TE configuration to change in real time in response to changing conditions in the network, the TE algorithm, or other variables such that a TE decision is substantially optimized for current real time conditions. In an embodiment, a method in a network component for adaptable traffic engineering (TE) configuration in software defined networking (SDN) includes receiving at the network component TE configuration information, wherein the TE configuration information comprises information about at least one of network conditions, a TE algorithm, user equipment (UE) information, and the network component, and dynamically changing with the network component the TE configuration in accordance to a change in the TE configuration information.