Hierarchical Network Topology Control via Controller Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OpenFlow systems lack the capability to detect changes in logical network topology, leading to management burdens and unnecessary traffic when using methods like OSPF or BGP for topology grasping.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a first control unit that changes settings of communication nodes in a first hierarchical network and alters the topology of a second hierarchical network in response to requests, while a second control unit adjusts settings in the second network using the updated topology, enabling improved path control without requiring information exchange between adjacent nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If OSPF or BGP protocols are used for topology grasping, then the network can detect topology changes, but unnecessary traffic is generated and management burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the topology detection function from traditional routing protocols (OSPF/BGP) and implements it separately through controller coordination. The controllers exchange topology information directly rather than relying on routing protocol advertisements, thereby eliminating unnecessary routing traffic while maintaining reliable topology detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controllers as intermediaries between communication nodes. Instead of nodes directly exchanging topology information through routing protocols, controllers act as mediators that collect and distribute topology information, reducing direct node traffic and simplifying management.
2Reliability
If manual topology updates are performed, then topology changes can be tracked, but management burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service topology detection where controllers automatically discover and exchange topology information without manual intervention. Each controller autonomously determines its role (upper or lower layer) and actively exchanges topology data with peer controllers, eliminating the need for manual topology updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where controllers continuously exchange topology information and adjust their understanding of the network topology based on received data. This automated feedback loop ensures accurate topology information is maintained without manual management burden.
3Productivity
If fine-grained path control is implemented, then network optimization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into multiple independent controllers that each manage specific portions of the network topology. This segmentation allows fine-grained path control to be distributed across multiple simple controller instances rather than requiring a single complex control system, maintaining productivity while reducing individual device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a first control unit configured to change setting of a communication node(s) belonging to a first hierarchical network, in response to a setting request for the first hierarchical network and to change a topology of a second hierarchical network formed by using the first hierarchical network, and a second control unit configured to change setting of a communication node(s) belonging to the second hierarchical network, using the topology of the second hierarchical network after the change.