Control Plane Reference Model Framework for Network Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless and integrated networks lack a systematic description of control plane functionality and interface between the data plane and control plane components, making it challenging to manage and customize network services effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control plane reference model framework is introduced, incorporating software-defined topology (SDT) and software-defined protocol (SDP) components within the control plane to define service-specific data plane topology and processes, along with a hierarchical control plane architecture that includes domain controllers with SDT, SDN, and SDP components, and interfaces for inter-domain coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional control plane architecture is used in wireless networks, then network management can be performed, but the system lacks systematic description of control plane functionality and cannot effectively manage multiple co-existing virtual networks
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane is segmented into multiple domain controllers, each responsible for specific domains or virtual networks. This segmentation allows independent management of different virtual networks while maintaining overall system coordination, resolving the contradiction between managing multiple networks and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The domain controllers are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of network management tasks including SDT, SDN, and SDP operations. This multi-functionality enables a single control plane architecture to manage diverse virtual networks without requiring separate specialized systems for each
2Ease of operation
If control plane functionality is not systematically described, then implementation is simpler, but interface definition between data plane and control plane components becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a systematic control plane reference model framework in advance that pre-defines all necessary interfaces, components, and interaction protocols between the data plane and control plane. This preliminary structuring makes subsequent implementation and operation simpler while maintaining clear interface definitions
3Adaptability or versatility
If radio node functionality and network evolution continue, then network capabilities improve, but managing the control plane becomes increasingly challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane architecture employs dynamic domain controllers that can adapt their functionality and configuration based on evolving network requirements and radio node capabilities. This dynamic nature allows the system to accommodate network evolution while maintaining manageable control plane complexity through flexible, rather than rigid, structural design
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments are provided for implementing control plane functionality to configure a data plane at a plurality of network nodes. A software defined topology (SDT) component is configured to determine a data plane logical topology indicating a plurality of selected nodes and a logical architecture connecting the selected nodes. The data plane logical topology enables traffic delivery for a service or virtual network for an end-customer or operator. A software defined networking (SDN) component is configured to interact with the SDT component and map the data plane logical topology to a physical network. The mapping includes allocating network nodes including the selected nodes and network resources which enable communications for the service or virtual network and meet QoS requirement. A software defined protocol (SDP) component is configured to interact with the SDN and define data plane protocol and process functionality for the network nodes.