Fog Controller Service Function Chaining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fog computing systems inefficiently allocate processing tasks among fog nodes due to selection based on proximity rather than processing capabilities, leading to duplication of functions and reduced practicality as the number of IoT devices increases.
Innovation Solution
Implementing fog-based service function chaining techniques where a fog controller assigns specific functions to fog nodes based on their processing capabilities, creating a service function chain that optimally routes data packets for processing, thereby reducing duplication and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fog nodes are selected based on proximity to IoT devices, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to function duplication and inefficient resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from proximity-based (geographic location) to capability-based (processing capabilities, available resources, current load). The fog controller evaluates multiple parameters including compute power, storage capacity, and network bandwidth to dynamically assign service functions to optimal fog nodes, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fog controller acts as an intermediary between IoT devices and fog nodes. Instead of direct proximity-based assignment, the controller mediates the allocation by receiving capability indications from fog nodes and creating service function chains that optimally route data packets based on current system state, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through centralized management
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fog nodes perform the same or similar functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to application proliferation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service functions into discrete, independently deployable units that can be dynamically assigned to different fog nodes. Instead of duplicating entire applications across multiple nodes, the system divides processing tasks into service function chain elements (SFCEs) that can be selectively instantiated, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability through modular function distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal service function templates that can be instantiated across multiple fog nodes with different capabilities. A single service function definition can be adapted to run on various hardware platforms by adjusting resource allocation parameters, allowing the system to maintain adaptability without proliferating separate application versions, thereby reducing device complexity
3Reliability
If service functions are distributed across multiple fog nodes, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to data packet routing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing service function chains and caching routing decisions before data packets arrive. The fog controller proactively creates optimized processing paths based on current fog node capabilities and historical performance data, so that when data packets need to be routed, the optimal path is already determined, reducing routing overhead and time loss while maintaining the reliability benefits of distributed processing
Data Source
AI summary
A fog controller is operable to communicate with fog nodes associated with a plurality of special purpose network connected devices. The fog controller receives, from each of a plurality of the fog nodes, an indication of one or more processing capabilities of the respective fog node. Based on the processing capabilities, the fog controller creates a fog-based service function chain that includes a set of the plurality of fog nodes. The fog controller instantiates the fog-based service function chain at the set of the plurality of fog nodes.