Gateway Device Stream Classifying Strategy for SDN Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Software Defined Networks (SDNs), the high load on SDN controllers due to distributing open flow entries and service forwarding strategies across multiple service nodes increases the demand for controller reliability, and existing solutions do not efficiently manage data stream forwarding without encapsulation, leading to hardware resource inefficiencies and potential service chain failures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating a node identifier chain that connects the head node, service nodes, and tail node, using VXLAN encapsulation to forward data streams based on pre-configured stream classifying strategies, reducing the need for SDN controller intervention by using gateway devices accessed by both the head and service nodes to direct data streams, and implementing service groups with backup nodes for fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the SDN controller distributes open flow entries and service forwarding strategies to multiple service nodes, then the data stream can be forwarded through service nodes, but the load on the SDN controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized SDN controller's forwarding decision functionality and distributes it to individual service nodes. Each service node is assigned specific open flow entries and forwarding strategies for its designated service chain, transforming the centralized control model into a distributed control model. This segmentation reduces the SDN controller's load while maintaining comprehensive data stream forwarding capability across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and distributing open flow entries and service forwarding strategies to service nodes before data streams arrive. This preliminary distribution of forwarding instructions allows service nodes to independently make forwarding decisions without real-time controller intervention, reducing the controller's ongoing load while ensuring efficient data stream processing.
2Extent of automation
If the SDN controller distributes service forwarding strategies to service nodes, then forwarding can be automated, but the reliability of the SDN controller becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control functionality into distributed control across multiple service nodes. Each service node maintains its own forwarding rules and can independently execute forwarding operations, reducing the criticality of any single controller instance. This distributed architecture improves system reliability by eliminating the single point of failure inherent in centralized control while preserving automation through pre-distributed forwarding strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
Service nodes are empowered with self-service capabilities to independently execute forwarding decisions based on pre-distributed open flow entries and service forwarding strategies. Each service node can autonomously process data streams according to its assigned rules without continuous SDN controller intervention, enhancing automation while improving reliability by reducing dependency on the controller's continuous operation.
3Loss of energy
If gateway devices directly forward data streams without encapsulation, then hardware resource efficiency improves, but existing solutions lack efficient management mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces VXLAN encapsulation as an intermediary mechanism that enables efficient hardware-based forwarding while maintaining manageable complexity. The encapsulation adds a layer of abstraction that allows gateway devices to use hardware acceleration for encapsulated packets, improving resource efficiency. Simultaneously, the standardized VXLAN format provides a manageable interface for the SDN controller to distribute and update forwarding rules, balancing efficiency and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in packet headers (adding VXLAN encapsulation parameters) to enable efficient hardware forwarding. By modifying packet structure with standardized encapsulation parameters, the system leverages hardware optimization for encapsulated traffic while maintaining software-based manageability through the overlay network control plane, thus improving resource efficiency without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A gateway device detects whether a node corresponding to each node identifier in a node identifier chain gets on-line, the chain including node identifiers of a head node, service node via which the head node accesses tail node, and the tail node. When each node gets on-line, the gateway device distributes, as a gateway device accessed by the head node, a first stream classifying strategy associated with the chain to device hardware, and forwards a received data stream which is from the head node to the tail node according to the chain based on the first stream classifying strategy. The gateway device distributes, as a gateway device accessed by the service node, a second stream classifying strategy associated with the chain to the device hardware, and forwards a received data stream which is from the head node to the tail node according to the chain based on the second stream classifying strategy.