In-Band SDN Traffic Control Across POP Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data network routing solutions face inefficiencies due to out-of-band communication between points of presence (POPs) requiring additional overhead and managing multiple protocols, which hinders optimal routing decisions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for distributing predefined metrics in-band using control packets within the same data protocol across network controllers, optimizing communication by minimizing overhead and enabling real-time routing decisions based on local traffic information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If out-of-band communication is used between controllers, then communication between POPs is established, but additional overhead and multiple protocol management are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges control plane communication with the data plane by using in-band communication. Controllers exchange routing metrics and traffic information through the same network infrastructure used for data transmission, eliminating the need for separate out-of-band communication channels and reducing protocol management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control packets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they carry routing metrics, traffic information, and control instructions all through a single communication mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate protocols for different control purposes.
2Device complexity
If in-band communication is used between POPs, then communication overhead is reduced, but connection establishment and trust management are required
Solution Approach 1:
Trust and connection establishment are performed preliminarily through pre-shared keys and authentication mechanisms configured in advance. Once established, these trust relationships enable seamless in-band communication without requiring repeated connection setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic authentication and trust verification through pre-configured security credentials. Controllers automatically verify each other's identities and establish secure communication channels without manual intervention, making connection management transparent and easy to operate.
3Productivity
If real-time traffic metrics are distributed to all POPs, then optimized routing decisions are enabled, but communication bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Each POP receives and processes only the routing metrics and traffic information relevant to its local routing decisions. Rather than distributing all possible data to all nodes, the system tailors information distribution to local needs, reducing overall communication bandwidth consumption while maintaining routing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system distributes a curated subset of routing metrics and traffic information that is sufficient for optimized routing decisions without transmitting all available data. This partial action approach provides exactly the right amount of information needed for routing optimization while minimizing bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed include a method and apparatus for global traffic control and optimization for software-defined networks. In an embodiment, data traffic is optimized by distributing predefined metrics (data traffic information) to all controllers in the network. The predefined metrics are specific to local network switches and controllers, but are distributed to all peers at configurable intervals. “Local” as used herein implies one POP and its associated switch and controller. The method of distribution of local POP metrics is strictly in band using a packet as defined by the protocol used by the data network.