Hybrid Control Data Plane for Packet Brokerage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network architectures face challenges in integrating distributed and split network architectures, particularly in configuring and managing hybrid communication networks that combine advanced systems with legacy systems, which complicates the routing of data packets between different segments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for configuring data packet flows through a hybrid communication network, comprising a stacked topology of network captured traffic distribution devices and OpenFlow switches, managed by a server with integrated logic to determine optimal paths and bridge connections between segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized control plane architecture is implemented, then network intelligence and routing capabilities are improved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase when combining distributed and legacy systems
Solution Approach 1:
The network architecture is segmented into distinct control plane elements and data plane elements. The control plane is further divided into a centralized controller and distributed control plane elements. This segmentation allows each component to have specialized functions, reducing overall integration complexity while maintaining high network intelligence through the centralized controller that coordinates between different segments.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized controller acts as an intermediary between distributed control plane elements and legacy systems. This mediator translates and coordinates communications between different architectural approaches, enabling seamless integration without requiring complex direct integration between all components. The controller manages flow entries, routing decisions, and coordination across the hybrid architecture.
2Speed
If distributed control plane elements are used, then routing speed and fault tolerance are improved, but coordination complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control plane is segmented into distributed control plane elements that handle local routing decisions and a centralized controller that handles coordination. This segmentation enables fast local routing operations while distributing the coordination burden, reducing the complexity any single component must manage while maintaining high routing speed through local decision-making capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid network architecture integrating distributed and legacy systems is implemented, then system versatility and capability are improved, but configuration complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized controller is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple types of network elements including distributed control plane elements, OpenFlow switches, and legacy systems. It provides a unified interface and standardized protocols for configuring and managing diverse components, reducing configuration complexity despite the heterogeneity of the hybrid architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized controller serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of integrating distributed and legacy systems. It provides a unified management interface that handles configuration, monitoring, and coordination across different system types, shielding users from the underlying complexity while enabling versatile system capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for configuring one or more flows of captured data packets through a hybrid communication network is provided. The system includes first and second segments of the hybrid communication network. The first segment includes a stacked topology of communicatively coupled plurality of network captured traffic distribution devices. The second segment includes one or more OpenFlow switches configured for an OpenFlow protocol. The system also includes a management server communicatively coupled to the first and second segments of the hybrid communication network. The management server includes logic adapted to configure one or more data flows of captured data packets with respect to forwarding the captured data packets between the first and second segments of the hybrid communication network.