Core Network Selection for SDN NFV Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coexistence of Software Defined Networks (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and legacy networks poses challenges in optimizing interconnection, leading to increased traffic duplication and costs due to the need to forward user plane traffic to data centers for processing, which is not necessary in SDN architectures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a core network selection function to determine the type of network node originating a signaling request and select an optimal gateway node based on its type and policy settings, minimizing traffic load by keeping user plane traffic within legacy networks or decomposing it to avoid unnecessary data center forwarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user plane traffic is forwarded to data center for processing in NFV architecture, then network function virtualization can be implemented, but traffic duplication and transport capacity usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the network architecture adaptive to different node types. SDN nodes are configured with local routing capabilities that allow them to handle user plane traffic locally without forwarding to data center, while NFV nodes maintain the traditional architecture. This localized optimization reduces unnecessary traffic duplication while preserving NFV capabilities where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the core network selection function that dynamically determines the type of network node (SDN, NFV, or legacy) and selects appropriate gateway nodes based on real-time conditions. The routing behavior changes dynamically depending on whether the originating node is SDN or NFV, allowing the system to optimize traffic flow adaptively rather than following a fixed architecture.
2Loss of energy
If intelligent network routing and application allocation are implemented, then traffic load can be minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary core network selection function that mediates between the originating network node and the gateway node. This intermediary automatically determines node types, selects appropriate gateways, and makes routing decisions based on pre-configured policies. By centralizing the intelligence in this intermediary component, the complexity is contained and managed rather than distributed throughout the entire network, making the system more tractable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by having the core network selection function detect changes in node type parameters (SDN vs. NFV vs. legacy) and adjust routing parameters accordingly. When a node type is identified, the system changes routing parameters to either forward traffic to data center (for NFV) or route directly through appropriate gateways (for SDN), optimizing traffic load based on the detected parameter state.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses method, apparatus and computer program product for enabling improved coexistence of Software Defined Network, Network Function Virtualization, and legacy networks. Thereby, information about characteristics of available core network nodes is obtained, it is determined, upon receiving a signaling request from a network node, which type of network node the signaling network node is, among at least a legacy network node, a virtualized network node and a software defined networking network node, and at least one network node to be used as gateway is selected from the available core network nodes, according to the determined type of signaling/originating network node and a policy set in advance for minimizing traffic load.