Hybrid Network Control Plane for Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid networks that combine multiple heterogeneous technologies like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, coaxial cable, and power line networks face interoperability challenges and scalability limitations due to differing characteristics, leading to inefficiencies and resource duplication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid network model with a control plane that treats coordinated shared networks as layer 2 bridges, using abstraction layers and control planes to manage data switching and forwarding between different network segments, and leveraging existing bridged network technologies like Shortest Path Bridging for optimized resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heterogeneous networking technologies are employed in a hybrid network, then network coverage and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and interoperability challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary component that connects multiple heterogeneous network technologies (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, MoCA, PLC). The gateway performs protocol translation and coordination between different network layers, enabling seamless communication while abstracting the complexity from individual network devices. This mediator approach resolves interoperability challenges by providing a centralized intelligence point that manages the diversity of network technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle multiple networking technologies simultaneously. It implements universal networking functions including routing, switching, and protocol conversion across Ethernet, Wi-Fi, MoCA, and PLC interfaces. This universal design allows a single device to manage diverse network technologies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
2Reliability
If coordinated shared networks are used to manage access to shared communication medium, then collision prevention is improved, but control plane complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinated shared network implementation enables network nodes to autonomously manage their own access to the shared communication medium through distributed coordination mechanisms. Each node can independently participate in collision avoidance protocols while the control plane provides centralized oversight for topology management and policy enforcement. This self-service approach distributes the collision prevention burden across multiple nodes rather than concentrating all control logic in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane functionality is segmented into distributed components across multiple network devices rather than being centralized in a single controller. This segmentation allows collision prevention mechanisms to operate locally at each node while higher-level management functions are distributed across the network. The segmented control architecture reduces the complexity burden on any single device while maintaining reliable collision prevention through coordinated action.
3Productivity
If hybrid network model with abstraction layers is implemented, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces abstraction layers that add a logical dimension to the physical network architecture. These abstraction layers create virtual network interfaces and logical topologies that sit above the physical hardware, enabling more efficient resource utilization through virtualization. The abstraction layers allow network resources to be dynamically allocated and managed without being constrained by physical hardware boundaries, improving productivity while isolating implementation complexity within the abstraction layer itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for implementing a control plane in hybrid networks. A coordinated shared network may correspond to a distributed bridge, and a control plane may be implemented in one of the nodes of the coordinated shared network. A hybrid network may support multiple heterogeneous networking technologies. A hybrid network device, such as a gateway, may support multiple different coordinated shared networks, each corresponding to distributed bridges. The control planes for the distributed bridges may be implemented in the hybrid network device.