Multi-Control-Plane Switching for Redundant Packet Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks with multipoint nodes face challenges in preventing redundant delivery of communication packets to the same interface, especially under failover conditions, when using programmable communication networks with multiple or dynamic control planes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of configurable communication devices capable of switching between different control planes, such as SDN and STA, through firmware upgrades or self-discovery, to manage path planning and avoid redundant packet delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a communication network uses programmable communication networks with multiple or dynamic control planes, then the network's adaptability and versatility are improved, but the complexity of preventing redundant packet delivery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a path planning application as an intermediary component that operates between the control plane and data plane. This application receives indication packets from remote devices, determines optimal paths using algorithms (Dijkstra, Bellman-Ford, or custom), and sends control packets to communication devices to establish forwarding paths. This mediator approach simplifies the complexity of preventing redundant packet delivery by centralizing path planning logic while maintaining multi-control-plane adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network control functionality into distinct components: path planning application, control packets, indication packets, and forwarding path establishment. By dividing the complex task of redundant packet prevention into manageable segments with specific responsibilities, the system achieves both adaptability across different control planes and simplified implementation of each component.
2Reliability
If the communication device switches between different control planes during operation, then the network's reliability is improved through failover capabilities, but the loss of time during switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple control planes (SDN and STA) within communication devices before failover is needed. The path planning application maintains readiness to operate under different control plane protocols, and forwarding paths can be pre-established or quickly re-established using cached path information. This preliminary preparation minimizes the time loss during control plane switching while ensuring reliability through immediate failover capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between control planes based on operational needs and failover conditions. The path planning application can adapt its operation to work with either SDN or STA control planes, and the network can dynamically reconfigure forwarding paths during switching transitions. This dynamic approach reduces switching time by allowing flexible adaptation rather than rigid pre-configured failover sequences.
3Loss of information
If redundant delivery of communication packets is prevented through path planning, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to multiple control planes
Solution Approach 1:
The path planning application serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of multi-control-plane management while providing simple redundant packet prevention functionality. It receives high-level routing requirements, performs complex path calculations considering multiple control planes, and outputs simple forwarding instructions to communication devices. This intermediary approach reduces information loss from redundant packets while containing complexity within the path planning layer rather than propagating it throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the path planning application monitors packet delivery status and control plane operational states. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts path planning decisions to prevent redundant packet delivery while adapting to the current control plane configuration. This feedback loop efficiently prevents information loss while managing multi-control-plane complexity through adaptive rather than static control.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for operating a configurable communication device. A network controller includes a communication interface to interface with multiple communication devices and a memory storing instructions. The network controller also includes a processor, that when executing the instructions, is configured to determine that a configurable communication device of the plurality of communication devices is to operate in a first control plane type of multiple control plane types configurable to be used by the configurable communication device. The processor is also configured to operate the configurable communication device using the first control plane type and to receive an indication that the configurable communication device is to switch to a second control plane type. Moreover, the processor is configured to cause the configurable communication device to switch to the second control plane type and operate the configurable communication device using the second control plane type.