Dataplane Network Controller Connectivity via Probe Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Software Defined Networking environments, establishing dataplane connectivity between controllers and nodes without relying on traditional routing protocols is challenging, as nodes lack embedded control logic, leading to increased costs and technical complexities with dedicated control plane networks or hybrid switches.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using dataplane networks to establish connectivity by sending probe packets from controllers to nodes, identifying reception ports, setting local routes, and incrementally expanding connectivity through an iterative process, allowing nodes to communicate with controllers and reach neighboring nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Dedicated Control Plane Network is used to provide dataplane connectivity, then connectivity between controllers and switches is established, but additional network equipment costs, management costs, and failure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control plane and data plane networks by using the existing data plane network infrastructure to carry control plane traffic. Controllers and switches establish connectivity through the same physical network that carries data traffic, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control plane network equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data plane network is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both data transmission and control plane communication purposes. The network infrastructure performs dual functions: carrying user data traffic and establishing control connections between controllers and switches, thereby eliminating redundant equipment.
2Reliability
If hybrid switches with traditional routing software are used, then logical control plane connectivity is provided, but scalability is limited and management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the routing logic from the switches themselves and centralizes it in the controllers. Instead of embedding traditional routing protocols in switch firmware, the controllers perform path computation and programming, allowing switches to remain simple forwarding devices that can be easily scaled without increasing complexity at the switch level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adopts dynamic controller-based path computation that can adapt to changing network conditions and topology. Controllers dynamically calculate optimal paths and program switches accordingly, enabling the network to scale flexibly without being constrained by static routing protocols embedded in switches.
3Ease of operation
If traditional routing protocols are embedded in switches, then control plane connectivity is established, but system design constraints increase and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts routing logic from switch hardware and relocates it to external controllers. Switches no longer need embedded routing protocol implementations; instead, controllers compute paths and program switches with forwarding rules, significantly reducing switch complexity while maintaining connectivity establishment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Controllers act as intermediaries between the control plane and data plane. Rather than switches directly implementing routing protocols, controllers mediate by computing paths and translating them into switch programming instructions, simplifying switch design while preserving routing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
In a software defined network, dataplane connectivity is established between a computing device in the network and a controller. The computing device receives a probe packet from the controller, and identifies a port of the computing device through which the probe packet was received. The computing device sets a local route for communication with the controller through the identified port. The computing device then establishes a connection with the controller through the local route. This procedure is reiterated to incrementally expand network connectivity to a plurality of network devices.