Load Balancer Dynamic Service Function Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network infrastructure faces challenges with service function deployment due to hard-wired static configurations, incompatibility with newer protocols, and packet modifications that can cause congestion and bottlenecks, leading to inefficiencies and potential packet loss.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a load balancer that identifies service functions based on available capacity to distribute packets efficiently, modifying switch addresses to ensure compatibility and flexibility, particularly by modifying the layer two portion of the packet, such as the media access control (MAC) address, to route packets to appropriate service functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hard-wired static configurations are used for service function deployment, then network infrastructure stability is maintained, but adaptability to newer protocols and service functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service function deployment by replacing hard-wired static configurations with a load balancer that can dynamically identify service functions and modify packet routing based on real-time capacity information. This allows the network to adapt to newer protocols and service functions while maintaining infrastructure stability through controlled dynamic changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The load balancer changes routing parameters dynamically by modifying switch addresses in packets based on identified service function capacity. This parameter change mechanism enables the network to adapt to different protocols and service requirements without reconfiguring the physical infrastructure, thus maintaining stability while improving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If packets are modified to route to particular service functions, then service function chaining is enabled, but congestion and bottlenecks occur leading to packet loss
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancer implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring service function capacity and using this information to dynamically adjust packet routing decisions. This feedback loop prevents congestion by directing packets to service functions with available capacity, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling service function chaining.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts packet routing based on real-time service function capacity identification. By continuously adapting routing decisions rather than using static paths, the network enables service function chaining while avoiding congestion and bottlenecks that would compromise packet delivery reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If service functions are inserted or deleted in the network, then service flexibility is improved, but network complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancer implements self-service functionality by automatically identifying service functions and their capacity, then dynamically modifying packet routing without requiring manual configuration. This allows service functions to be inserted or deleted freely while the system automatically adapts, improving flexibility without increasing configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The load balancer acts as an intermediary between service functions and the network infrastructure. It absorbs the complexity of service function management and configuration, allowing service functions to be inserted or deleted without increasing overall network configuration complexity, as the load balancer handles the adaptation automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
Some examples herein disclose a load balancer to identify a service function among multiple service functions based on an available capacity. The load balancer modifies a switch address in the packet and distributes the packet to the identified service function based on the modified switch address.