Network Controller Virtualization for Inoperative Device Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
High speed communication networks face challenges in maintaining resilience and efficiency due to the need for additional redundant hardware when network devices become inoperative, leading to increased costs and management complexity.
Innovation Solution
A network controller that provides redundant network operations by detecting inoperative devices and rerouting data traffic through itself, eliminating the need for additional hardware and maintaining network connectivity seamlessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional redundant hardware is added to maintain network resilience, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the redundant network function into the existing controller by implementing a virtualized network function that can assume the role of a failed network device. The controller consolidates multiple functions (original network device function and redundant backup function) into a single system, eliminating the need for separate redundant hardware while maintaining resilience through software-based failover capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the network device function within the controller. Instead of adding physical redundant hardware, the system implements a virtualized version of the network device that can be activated when the original device fails. This virtual copy maintains the same functional capabilities without requiring additional physical components.
2Reliability
If additional redundant hardware is added to maintain network connectivity, then network reliability is improved, but implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive physical redundant hardware with a software-based virtualized network function. The controller implements a virtual copy of the network device that can be deployed through software installation rather than physical hardware deployment, significantly reducing implementation costs while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical redundant hardware system with a software-based virtualized system. Instead of relying on physical backup devices that require installation, maintenance, and hardware failover mechanisms, the system uses software-based virtual network functions that can be activated through control plane decisions, eliminating hardware costs and simplifying deployment.
3Reliability
If additional redundant hardware is added to ensure network resilience, then network reliability is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the management of redundant functionality into the existing controller by implementing a unified control plane that handles both the original network device operations and the redundant backup operations. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate management systems and reduces operational complexity while maintaining resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as the primary network device controller and simultaneously manages the redundant virtualized network function. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to handle both normal operations and failover scenarios, reducing the number of management entities and simplifying operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a computer-readable medium may store executable instructions. The executable instructions may be to detect an inoperative network device in a communication network managed by a controller, determine a network switching function assigned to the inoperative network device, and provide the network switching function through the controller itself instead of the inoperative network device.