Network Control Device for OpenFlow Flow Table Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
OpenFlow networks face resource limitations, particularly in handling large-scale flows due to restricted flow table sizes in switch devices, which hinders efficient resource utilization and requires optimization techniques to manage network traffic effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network control device and method that utilizes topology information to represent network structures and network flow information to define data forwarding rules, allowing for the control of switch devices by converting network flow representations into flow settings and setting them within switch devices, enabling efficient management of network traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flow-based control is implemented on a per-flow basis, then routing control and load balancing are improved, but resource limitations and flow table size restrictions prevent handling of large-scale flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control into two parts: edge switches that perform detailed per-flow control and core switches that perform aggregated control. This segmentation allows the network to handle large-scale flows by distributing control responsibilities, with edge switches managing individual flows and core switches managing groups of flows, thereby overcoming the flow table size limitations of individual switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual flow entries into a single aggregated flow entry at core switches. By combining control of multiple flows into one aggregated entry, the system reduces the total number of flow table entries required in core network devices while maintaining per-flow control capabilities at the edge, thus resolving the contradiction between flow handling capability and flow table size constraints.
2Use of energy by moving object
If optimization techniques are applied to manage network traffic, then resource utilization is improved, but device complexity and control mechanism complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into edge switch control and core switch control functions. Edge switches handle detailed flow management and optimization, while core switches perform simpler aggregated control. This segmentation distributes complexity across different network devices rather than concentrating it in one location, improving resource utilization while managing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used for flow table management, then control precision is maintained, but productivity and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow table management where the controller automatically generates, updates, and removes flow entries based on real-time network conditions and requirements. This dynamic approach maintains precise flow control through automated decision-making algorithms while enabling network scalability by eliminating the need for manual intervention in flow table management across large-scale networks.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a network control device capable of controlling respective switch devices using topology information, which expresses a network formed by the switch devices, and, when network flow information that expresses a data transfer rule for the network is introduced, network flow information. A network database storage means (101) stores the topology information expressing the network, and the network flow information expressing the data transfer rule for the network. A switch control means (102) generates topology information in which the respective switch devices contained in the network are nodes and stores the same in the network database storage means (101), and generates switch flow information, which defines the actions of the respective switch devices, on the basis of the network flow information stored in the network database storage means (101), and sets the switch flow information for the respective switch devices.