Encapsulating H.248 in OpenFlow for Legacy Network Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network virtualization technologies face challenges in incorporating legacy network elements, such as CS-IBCF and CS-TrGW, into virtual networks, especially when these elements are slated for replacement or when network operators do not wish to reveal their functions to virtual network providers, lacking protocols to support seamless integration and isolation.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves encapsulating the H.248 interface within the OpenFlow/Forces protocol, allowing control signaling to be carried over a single interface, thereby enabling the integration of CS-IBCF and TrGW into virtual networks without requiring separate interfaces for H.248 and OpenFlow/Forces, and utilizing FlowVisor to manage and forward this encapsulated signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate interfaces are provided for H.248 and OpenFlow/Forces protocols, then legacy network elements can be controlled, but device complexity and interface management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines H.248 and OpenFlow/Forces interfaces into a single unified interface that can handle both protocols. The network element provides one interface that accepts control signaling from the virtual network controller, where control information for H.248 protocol is encapsulated within OpenFlow/Forces control signaling, eliminating the need for separate physical or logical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified interface is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both H.248 and OpenFlow/Forces protocols. The interface can selectively process different protocol types based on the control information received, making it a multi-functional component that adapts to different control paradigms without requiring separate dedicated interfaces.
2Reliability
If legacy network elements are integrated into virtual networks, then infrastructure investments are maintained, but protocol compatibility and control isolation become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary encapsulation mechanism where H.248 control information is wrapped within OpenFlow/Forces control signaling. This intermediary layer allows the legacy H.248 protocol to coexist with the virtualization framework, enabling legacy network elements to be controlled through the virtual network controller without direct exposure to virtual network providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The control information structure is nested such that H.248 protocol data is embedded within OpenFlow/Forces protocol messages. This nested structure allows the legacy protocol to operate within the virtualization framework, with the outer protocol providing virtualization management and the inner protocol providing legacy element control.
3Ease of operation
If control signaling uses multiple protocols, then specific network elements can be controlled, but control efficiency and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control protocols into a single signaling path. Instead of requiring separate control channels for H.248 and OpenFlow/Forces, the unified interface combines them into one control signaling flow, reducing signaling overhead and improving control efficiency while maintaining the ability to manipulate specific network elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus are provided, by which control in a virtual network is performed, in which resources of a network are modeled, wherein the control of the virtual network is carried out according to a first network protocol. Moreover, a network interface is provided between the virtual network and the network the resources of which are modeled. A control part of a network resource is provided in the virtual network, the control part and the network resource requiring a second network protocol for exchanging control signaling. Control information according to one of the first and second network protocols, which are destined to the network element, is encapsulated in control signaling of another one of the first and second network protocols, and the control signaling is sent to the on the network interface to a network control element, which de-capsulates the encapsulated control information from the received control signaling, and forwards the detected control information to the network resource.