Path Selection in Hybrid Networks Using SDN and Programmable Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems struggle to dynamically control legacy switch routing in hybrid networks, limiting the flexibility and performance of network paths due to reliance on legacy Layer 2 routing protocols and the need for extensive network upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate a minimum spanning tree (MST) and forwarding graph (FWG) over a hybrid network topology, using programmable switches to enforce optimal paths by installing forwarding rules in legacy switches, thereby enhancing path diversity and performance without requiring full network upgrade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy Layer 2 routing protocols are used to control switch routing, then network stability is maintained, but path flexibility and performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized SDN controller as an intermediary between legacy switches and the network management system. The controller computes optimal paths and installs forwarding rules in legacy switches through programmable switches, enabling flexible path control without requiring legacy switches to run complex routing protocols, thus maintaining network stability while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into controlled segments (through programmable switches and SDN controller) and legacy segments. The SDN controller manages path selection for specific traffic flows by installing forwarding rules in legacy switches, allowing flexible control where needed while leaving other parts of the network unchanged, thereby maintaining stability while improving path flexibility.
2Productivity
If Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) is used for legacy Layer 2 routing, then loops are avoided, but path diversity is limited and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static MST structure with dynamic path control. The SDN controller computes optimal paths dynamically based on current network conditions and installs corresponding forwarding rules in legacy switches. This allows the network to adapt paths in real-time, improving both performance and path diversity while the controller maintains loop avoidance through centralized management.
3Ease of operation
If fully programmable switches are deployed throughout the network, then fine-grained control and visibility are achieved, but capital expenditure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial SDN deployment by introducing a small number of programmable switches at strategic locations in the network, rather than replacing all legacy switches. These programmable switches act as control points that enable fine-grained path control and visibility for specific traffic flows, achieving significant control flexibility with minimal capital expenditure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If legacy switches are left uncontrolled, then device complexity is reduced, but fine-grained policy enforcement on legacy paths is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary that enables fine-grained policy enforcement on legacy paths without modifying legacy switches. The controller computes optimal paths considering policy requirements and installs specific forwarding rules in legacy switches through programmable switches, achieving fine-grained control while keeping legacy switches simple and unchanged.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling legacy switch routing in one or more hybrid networks of interconnected computers and switches, including generating a network underlay (304) for the one or more hybrid networks by generating a minimum spanning tree (MST) (306) and a forwarding graph (FWG) (308) over a physical network topology of the one or more hybrid networks (400), determining an optimal path between hosts on the FWG by optimizing an initial path with a minimum cost mapping (312), and adjusting the initial path (310) to enforce the optimal path (314) by generating and installing special packets in one or more programmable switches to trigger installation of forwarding rules for one or more legacy switches (516).