IP Switch Virtual Network Controller for Multicast Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network switches face challenges in designing a high degree of freedom and efficiently distributing data to multiple distribution destinations, particularly in multilink environments where broadcast and multicast communications are not compatible across multiple links, leading to high costs and impractical configurations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system controller that builds multiple virtual networks within an IP switch, allowing data to be transmitted to respective distribution destinations connected to these networks, and uses Software Defined Networks (SDN) to enable flexible traffic load distribution and compatible broadcast and multicast communications across multiple links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional network switches are used for data distribution, then basic networking functions are provided, but the degree of freedom in network design is limited and efficient distribution to multiple destinations cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegree of freedom in network designVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network into multiple virtual networks (VLANs) within the IP switch, allowing independent configuration and management of different network segments. This enables flexible design freedom for each virtual network while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces virtualization as an additional dimension of network organization, transforming the traditional single-plane network into multi-layer virtual networks. This allows complex network designs to be achieved without increasing physical device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If conventional switches are used for data distribution, then simple routing is possible, but efficient distribution to multiple distribution destinations cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata distribution efficiencyVSAvoidmulticast communication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The IP switch is designed to perform multiple functions including unicast, broadcast, and multicast communications within a single device. This multi-functionality enables efficient data distribution to multiple destinations without requiring separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multicast functionality that allows efficient copying of data packets to multiple distribution destinations simultaneously, improving productivity by eliminating the need to send separate unicast packets to each destination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If broadcast and multicast communications are implemented across multiple links, then comprehensive communication coverage is achieved, but compatibility issues and high costs occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork implementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the network into virtual networks, the patent allows broadcast and multicast communications to be contained within specific VLANs, ensuring compatibility within each segment while avoiding the costs and complexities of implementing these features across the entire physical network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If multiple virtual networks are built in the IP switch, then efficient data distribution to multiple destinations is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata distribution efficiencyVSAvoidvirtual network management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary that manages the configuration and coordination of multiple virtual networks. This mediator handles the complexity of virtual network management, allowing the IP switch to efficiently distribute data across multiple VLANs without burdening the end users with configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11516127B2System controller, controlling an IP switch including plural SDN switches

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

To efficiently distribute data to a plurality of distribution destinations.According to the present disclosure, a system controller is provided controlling an IP switch that distributes data received from a device on a transmission side to a device on a reception side, the system controller building a plurality of virtual networks in the IP switch and causing data received by any of the virtual networks to be transmitted to respective distribution destinations connected to the virtual networks. With this configuration, data can be efficiently distributed to a plurality of distribution destinations.