Dynamic Service Insertion Architecture for Network Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deploying and provisioning services in computer networks are complex and costly, requiring substantial planning and hardware redundancy, which discourages administrators from deploying non-critical services due to high expenses and operational complexities.
Innovation Solution
A service insertion architecture that utilizes a control node and generic service node with a service broker, service directory, and configuration server to dynamically provision and allocate services, allowing administrators to deploy services on-demand and adapt to network requirements without the need for extensive hardware duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware redundancy is deployed for service resiliency, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal hardware platform that can dynamically assume multiple service roles through software configuration. A single generic service node can be transformed into different service types (firewall, load balancer, cache server, etc.) by loading appropriate virtual appliances, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each service while maintaining reliability through software-based redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of service appliances through virtualization technology. Instead of purchasing and storing physical spare hardware for each service, the system generates software-based virtual appliances that can be rapidly deployed and instantiated on generic hardware platforms, providing resiliency without the physical hardware overhead
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic service provisioning is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service gateway as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of dynamic service provisioning. The service gateway handles service registration, discovery, instantiation, and orchestration, shielding the underlying complexity from administrators while enabling flexible service deployment. The gateway acts as a mediator between service requests and the pool of generic service nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated service provisioning where the service gateway automatically discovers available services, matches them with appropriate generic service nodes, and instantiates services without requiring manual configuration. The platform autonomously manages service lifecycle events, scaling, and resource allocation, reducing the complexity burden on operators
3Productivity
If service capacity is scaled by deploying additional platforms, then productivity is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a pool of generic service nodes that can dynamically assume different service roles based on demand. Instead of deploying dedicated hardware for each service type, a single pool of universal hardware platforms can be reconfigured through software to provide multiple service functions, scaling service capacity without proportionally increasing physical hardware resources
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic service instantiation where generic service nodes can be transformed into different service types on-demand through software configuration. Service capacity scales dynamically by activating or deactivating virtual appliances on existing hardware, rather than requiring static pre-provisioned hardware for each potential service scenario
Data Source
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AI summary
A generic service node that operates in a first state while waiting for instructions to adopt a specific service. Upon receiving the instructions, the generic service node operates in a second state where the node installs software received from a network to enable the generic service node to provide the specific service to the network. The generic service node is in communication with a control node or nodes such that the generic service node can be adapted to provide a particular service as requested by the control node(s).