Hybrid Network Device Conflict Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid network devices, conflicts can arise between local controller commands and remote controller commands due to differing instructions on packet forwarding, leading to unclear behavior and potential network disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid network device is equipped with a conflict detector module that converts local controller commands into a software-defined format and compares them with active flows and features, updating the traffic forwarding table only if no conflicts are detected, and reports conflicts using standardized protocols like SNMP or OpenFlow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid network device receives both local controller commands and remote controller commands, then the device can support both traditional and software-defined networking models, but conflicts may arise between commands from different controllers leading to unclear behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conflict detector module as an intermediary component that mediates between local controller commands and remote controller commands. This detector compares the two sets of commands, identifies conflicts, and prevents execution of conflicting commands, thereby ensuring command execution consistency while maintaining support for both networking models
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the conflict detector continuously monitors and compares commands from both controllers. When conflicts are detected, the system provides feedback by reporting these conflicts to appropriate controllers, enabling them to adjust their commands and maintain reliable operation
2Productivity
If the network device updates the traffic forwarding table without conflict detection, then packet forwarding is fast and efficient, but network disruptions may occur due to conflicting commands
Solution Approach 1:
The conflict detector performs preliminary comparison and validation of commands before they are executed and before the traffic forwarding table is updated. By detecting conflicts in advance, the system prevents network disruptions while maintaining efficient packet forwarding operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by identifying and blocking conflicting commands before they can cause network disruptions. The conflict detector prevents the execution of commands that would create inconsistencies in the traffic forwarding table, thereby protecting network stability
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer-readable storage device for detecting conflicts in a hybrid network device is described herein. A hybrid network device may receive a local controller command from a network management device (e.g., a laptop, operated by a network administrator, executing a command line interface). The hybrid network device may convert the local controller command to a software defined command format. The hybrid network device may detect a lack of conflict between the converted local controller command and active flows represented in an active flow repository. Based on the detected lack of conflict, the hybrid network device may update a traffic forwarding table of the hybrid network device in accordance to the local controller command.