Datapath Node Packet Buffering for Software-Defined Network CEP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex event processing systems in software-defined networks often waste resources and bandwidth due to the continuous generation of data streams, where the occurrence of predetermined criteria is infrequent, leading to unnecessary processing of most data.
Innovation Solution
An efficiency manager module that identifies source devices and event notification conditions, determines packet flow windows, and configures datapath nodes to buffer and process packets only when specific criteria are met, reducing unnecessary data transmission and processing by utilizing virtual network functions to send notifications only when conditions are fulfilled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all packets from source devices are continuously transmitted to the CEP module for analysis, then the CEP system can detect event conditions in real-time, but network bandwidth and processing resources are wasted on data that does not meet predetermined criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring datapath nodes in advance with packet flow window criteria and packet operations. These nodes proactively buffer packets and perform initial analysis before CEP processing, filtering out data that cannot possibly meet event conditions. This preliminary filtering action prevents unnecessary bandwidth consumption and processing resources from being wasted on irrelevant data streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces datapath nodes as intermediary components between source devices and the CEP module. These intermediaries buffer packets, apply packet flow window criteria, and perform packet operations to pre-process data. This intermediary layer selectively forwards only relevant data to the CEP system, reducing bandwidth usage while maintaining real-time detection capability for actual events.
2Loss of energy
If packets are buffered and processed only when criteria are met, then bandwidth and resources are conserved, but processing delay may increase for infrequent events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing packet flow window criteria that define time-based buffering windows. The system dynamically adjusts between buffering mode (when no events are detected) and immediate forwarding mode (when events are detected). This dynamic approach allows the system to conserve resources during normal operation while ensuring timely processing when actual events occur within the defined window periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through packet flow window criteria that establish regular time intervals for evaluating buffered packets. The system periodically checks buffered data against event conditions at defined intervals, ensuring that infrequent events are detected within acceptable time frames while maintaining resource efficiency during intervals between events.
3Loss of energy
If packet flow window criteria and packet operations are configured at datapath nodes, then only relevant data is forwarded to CEP, but system complexity increases due to additional configuration and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing datapath nodes with multi-functional capabilities. These nodes simultaneously perform packet buffering, criterion evaluation, operation execution, and selective forwarding functions. By making datapath nodes universal components that can handle multiple tasks, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate dedicated components for each function, while still achieving efficient resource utilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
Optimized complex event processing in a software-defined network is provided. A computing device receives a rule that identifies a source device and an event notification condition. A network inventory structure that identifies a plurality of nodes in the network and corresponding processing capabilities is accessed. A particular datapath node of the plurality of nodes is identified. A packet flow window criterion and a packet operation are determined based on the event notification condition. A particular virtual network function (VNF) of a plurality of VNFs is identified based on the rule. A controller node datapath configuration command that comprises a source device identifier that identifies the source device, the packet flow window criterion, the packet operation, and a VNF identifier that identifies the particular VNF is generated. The controller node datapath configuration command is sent to a controller node of the plurality of nodes.