Extending LOM CLI for OpenFlow Agent Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
OpenFlow devices in SDN architectures lack efficient configuration methods for essential properties, requiring separate configuration agents and software, which complicates communication between OpenFlow Agents and Controllers.
Innovation Solution
Extending the integrated Lights Out Management (LOM) software's command line interface (CLI) to support OpenFlow targets, verbs, and properties, using the Distributed Management Task Force (DTMF) Server Management Command Line Protocol (SM CLP) to configure properties within enterprise class network equipment, facilitating communication between OpenFlow Agents and Controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate configuration agents and software are used to configure OpenFlow devices, then OpenFlow devices can be configured with essential properties, but the system complexity increases and deployment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OpenFlow configuration functionality with the existing LOM software by extending its CLI. Instead of using separate configuration agents, the LOM software is enhanced to directly configure OpenFlow device properties through its existing management interface, merging two previously separate functions into one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The LOM software is extended to perform multiple functions: its original out-of-band management capabilities plus new OpenFlow configuration capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated OpenFlow configuration software, as the LOM software now serves both purposes through extended CLI commands for OpenFlow targets, verbs, and properties.
2Ease of operation
If additional configuration software is deployed for OpenFlow devices, then OpenFlow properties can be configured, but maintenance burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges OpenFlow configuration capabilities into the existing LOM software maintenance framework. Since LOM software is already deployed and maintained in the switch network fabric, adding OpenFlow configuration functionality to it means that a single software maintenance process handles both original LOM functions and new OpenFlow configuration tasks, eliminating the need to maintain separate configuration software.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended LOM software provides self-service configuration for OpenFlow devices through its CLI. The existing LOM infrastructure, including its update and maintenance mechanisms, automatically serves the additional OpenFlow configuration functionality without requiring separate maintenance processes, allowing the system to maintain itself through its existing update pathways.
3Extent of automation
If OpenFlow devices use a flow based view of traffic with separate controller management, then routing decisions are centralized, but communication configuration between Agent and Controller becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the extended LOM software as an intermediary between the OpenFlow Agent and Controller. The LOM software's CLI provides a standardized interface to configure communication properties between Agent and Controller, acting as a mediator that simplifies the configuration process while maintaining the centralized control architecture of SDN.
Solution Approach 2:
The LOM software serves as a universal configuration interface that handles both traditional network device management and OpenFlow-specific Agent-Controller communication configuration. This multi-functionality allows a single tool to manage diverse configuration needs, reducing the complexity of setting up communication between OpenFlow components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing OpenFlow communications between an OpenFlow Agent and an OpenFlow Controller is disclosed. The method involves extending the command line interface (CLI) based on distributed management task force (DTMF) server management command line protocol (SM CLP) exposed by an integrated Lights Out Management (LOM) software preexisting in enterprise class network equipment to support a plurality of OpenFlow targets, a plurality of verbs, and a plurality of properties, adding a managed element configured to provide handlers for each of the plurality of OpenFlow targets, registering the managed element for the plurality of OpenFlow targets with a manageability access point (MAP) entity, and configuring at least one of the plurality of properties to facilitate communication between an OpenFlow Agent and an OpenFlow Controller within the enterprise class network equipment using the plurality of OpenFlow targets, the plurality of verbs, and the plurality of properties.