Centralized Controller Service Chaining Across Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network technologies face challenges in constructing service chains that span multiple networks without requiring direct reprogramming or reconfiguration of provider edge routers, particularly in synchronizing intra-network routing prefixes and next hop information.
Innovation Solution
A centralized controller constructs inter-network service chains by automatically synchronizing intra-network routing information and configuring virtual private networks to direct traffic flows through a chain of service nodes, modifying routes to forward traffic to service nodes instead of destination networks, and setting route targets for provider edge routers to import and install these modified routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If service chains are constructed across multiple networks, then network service delivery is improved, but provider edge router reconfiguration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized controller is introduced as an intermediary between multiple networks and service nodes. The controller automatically synchronizes routing information, modifies routes to direct traffic through service nodes, and manages service chain construction without requiring manual reconfiguration of provider edge routers. This intermediary handles the complexity of inter-network service chain construction while maintaining simple operations at the edge routers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If routing information is synchronized between networks, then service chain construction is improved, but information synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized controller implements automatic self-service mechanisms for routing information synchronization. It autonomously collects routing prefixes and next-hop information from different networks, synchronizes this data across the multi-network environment, and dynamically adjusts routing tables without human intervention. This self-service approach enables flexible service chain construction while eliminating manual synchronization complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
In some examples, a controller comprises one or more processors; a control unit configured to obtain, from a router in a first network, a route that specifies a next hop to an address prefix reachable by the first network; and a service chain unit configured to generate a modified route that specifies a service node as the next hop for the address prefix, wherein the service node is external to the first network, and wherein the control unit is further configured to send the modified route to a second network, the modified route marked with an import route target configured for a provider edge router of the second network so that traffic from the first network and destined for the second network is forwarded to the service node.