NaaS Device Automates SDN Service Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network management processes for configuring services in software-defined networking (SDN) are complex and inefficient, particularly when dealing with multiple types of upper-layer applications and enhanced functions, as they require manual selection and configuration of physical network devices, reducing work efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a Network as a Service (NaaS) device to automatically configure services by obtaining contracts with identifier information and communication requirements, selecting appropriate network device groups, generating forwarding rules, and sending them to a controller, thereby simplifying the configuration process and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual selection and configuration of physical network devices is performed, then service configuration can be completed, but work efficiency is reduced and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice configuration processVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the NaaS device automatically performs service configuration without manual intervention. The automated configuration system selects appropriate physical network devices and configures services based on user requirements, eliminating the need for manual device selection and configuration while improving work efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a NaaS device as an intermediary between users and physical network devices. This intermediary automatically translates user service requirements into device configuration parameters, managing the complexity of device selection and configuration processes while improving ease of operation and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more types of upper-layer applications and enhanced functions are added, then service functionality is improved, but service configuration complexity increases and work efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice functionalityVSAvoidservice configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NaaS device serves as an intelligent intermediary that manages the complexity of configuring multiple application types and enhanced functions. It automatically maps diverse service requirements to appropriate physical network device capabilities, maintaining adaptability while reducing configuration complexity through automated device selection and parameter configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a universal configuration approach where the NaaS device handles multiple types of upper-layer applications and enhanced functions through a unified automated process. This multi-functional capability allows the system to manage diverse service requirements without proportionally increasing configuration complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3793137B1Method and apparatus for configuring service
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3793137B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3793137B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3793137B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application provides a method and an apparatus for configuring a service, which help to implement automatic configuration of a service and improve efficiency. The method provided in this application includes: obtaining, by an NaaS device, a contract of a service, where the contract includes identifier information and a condition, the identifier information is used to identify a first device group, the first device group includes a device that provides the service, and the condition is a communication requirement corresponding to the service; obtaining, by the NaaS device, information about a network device group according to the identifier information and the condition; obtaining, by the NaaS device, a first forwarding rule according to the condition, where the first forwarding rule corresponds to the network device group; and sending, by the NaaS device, the first forwarding rule and the information about the network device group to a controller.