Management Controller for Distributed System Service Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing devices in distributed systems face challenges in ensuring device security and remediation, particularly in scenarios where control planes are compromised, leading to potential network traffic mismanagement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a management controller that operates independently of the data and control planes of network devices, enabling the enforcement of subscription limits and initiating remedial actions, such as network service testing and independent characterization of service levels, to ensure compliance with subscribed services even if the control plane is compromised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control plane is used to manage network services, then the system operation is simplified, but the system security and reliability deteriorate when the control plane is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network device into three independent planes: control plane, data plane, and management plane. The management controller operates independently on the management plane, separate from the control plane that may be compromised. This segmentation allows the management controller to verify service levels and enforce subscriptions independently of potential control plane failures or attacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The management controller acts as an intermediary between the network device and the service management system. It independently characterizes service levels by analyzing data plane traffic directly, rather than relying on control plane reports. This intermediary role enables verification of actual service delivery even when the control plane is compromised.
2Speed
If the control plane independently manages service levels, then the response speed is improved, but the measurement precision of service levels deteriorates when the control plane is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The management controller implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring data plane traffic and comparing actual service levels against subscribed service levels. When discrepancies are detected (indicating control plane compromise), the management controller can trigger remedial actions such as resetting the control plane or adjusting data plane configurations to restore compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on control plane self-reporting (mechanical trust) with direct observational measurement of data plane traffic. The management controller uses packet sampling, flow analysis, and traffic measurement techniques to independently verify service levels, substituting trust-based mechanisms with measurement-based verification.
3Reliability
If a management controller operates independently to verify service levels, then the system reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management controller is designed as a multi-functional component that performs subscription enforcement, service level characterization, control plane verification, and remedial action initiation. By consolidating these functions into a single management plane component, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for each function while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for managing the operation of a deployment are provided. The deployment may be managed in accordance with a subscription model. The subscription model may use subscriptions to define the extent and limits on use of services provided by the deployment. The subscription services and limits may be enforced by management controllers of network devices of the deployment. The management controllers may operate independently from control planes and data planes of the network devices. If a plane is suspected of being compromised, the management controllers may take action to confirm the suspicions. If confirmed, then remedial activity may be initiated to address the compromised plane.