Data Center Network Control Plane for Bottleneck-Free Storage Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data centers face challenges in managing large networks efficiently, leading to network bottlenecks and high costs due to manual configuration changes and complex management of physical locations and hardware.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software-defined networking (SDN) approach that separates data flow management from data transmission, allowing for centralized control and flexible network management, using a control plane to set paths and a data plane to manage data forwarding, thereby reducing bottlenecks and enhancing network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration changes and complex management of physical locations and hardware are used, then network control is achieved, but network bottlenecks and high costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network management into two distinct planes: the control plane (managing configuration and policies) and the data plane (handling actual data traffic). This separation allows centralized control through software while maintaining efficient distributed data flow, resolving the contradiction between ease of management and network efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control plane as an intermediary layer between network administrators and the data plane infrastructure. This mediator handles configuration changes and policy enforcement centrally, eliminating the need for manual hardware configuration while maintaining efficient data transmission through automated control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If centralized control is implemented, then flexible network management is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration of network hardware with automated software-based control. The control plane uses software algorithms to dynamically manage network resources, providing flexibility without requiring physical intervention or complex hardware configuration, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane serves multiple functions including configuration management, policy enforcement, path selection, and monitoring, all through a single centralized software system. This multi-functionality provides network flexibility while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate management systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3A
AI summary
A data center includes: a server including a control plane; a data plane that is configured to receive network connection information from the control plane; and a storage group including a plurality of first storage devices. The data plane may be configured to set connections between the server and the plurality of first storage devices based on the network connection information corresponding to each first storage device of the plurality of first storage devices.