Cloud-Native SDN Router UI for Intent-Based Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SDN architectures face challenges in cloud-native adoption due to complexity in life cycle management, scale limitations in configuration management, and the lack of a command-line interface, making it difficult for users to efficiently manage and configure virtual networks.
Innovation Solution
A user interface for cloud-native SDN architectures that allows users to graphically represent and interconnect virtual networks using a logical abstraction of virtual network routers, simplifying the configuration process by hiding complex routing details and enabling intuitive intent-based networking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional SDN architectures are used, then network control functionality is provided, but life cycle management complexity increases and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network controller into multiple independent control plane nodes that can be individually managed, deployed, and scaled. Each node handles specific networking functions independently, transforming the monolithic SDN controller into a distributed system that aligns with cloud-native microservices architecture, thereby reducing life cycle management complexity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane nodes are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple networking tasks including routing, switching, and network policy enforcement. This multi-functional design allows a single node to perform diverse network control functions, reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying life cycle management while enhancing cloud-native adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If detailed routing configuration interfaces are provided, then complete network control is achieved, but user operation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration interface that sits between the user and the complex routing protocols. This intermediary layer translates high-level user intents into detailed routing configurations automatically, shielding users from protocol complexities while maintaining complete network control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane nodes automatically generate and optimize routing configurations based on declared network intents without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-service by translating intent-based specifications into concrete routing policies, eliminating the need for users to understand complex routing details while achieving complete network control.
3Productivity
If traditional SDN controllers are used, then network management is provided, but scalability and elasticity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control plane nodes that can be independently instantiated, scaled, and terminated based on workload demands. Each node can dynamically adjust its resource allocation and networking capacity, enabling the overall system to scale elastically in response to changing network requirements while maintaining efficient management operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane nodes incorporate feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network conditions, performance metrics, and resource utilization. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts routing policies, load distribution, and resource allocation to optimize network management efficiency while maintaining scalability and elasticity.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques are described for a creating a virtual network router via a user interface (UI) presented by a software defined network (SDN) architecture. A network controller comprising a memory and processing circuitry may perform the techniques. The memory may store the UI, while the processing circuitry may present the UI and execute a control node. The UI may graphically represent a topology of a network including first and second virtual networks. The UI may dynamically generate a graphical element representative of a virtual network router by which to interconnect the first and second virtual networks. The virtual network router may represent a logical abstraction of one or more policies that cause one or more of import and export of routing information between the first and second virtual networks. The control node configures the first virtual network and the second virtual network according to the one or more policies.