Network Control Device Layer Integration for Resource Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network control systems lack the means to share resource information and label information across layers, making inter-layer linkage and automation impossible due to varying control mechanisms and label information across different layers and domains.

Innovation Solution

A network control system that includes lower and upper layer data transfer units, information storage units, and a layer integration unit that configures and exchanges network information, integrating lower and upper layer information to assign label information necessary for using virtual links, enabling reciprocal exchange and visualization of network information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If policy-based communication management system implements control of each layer as a policy and performs inter-layer linkage in a form of request and response for policy application, then layer-specific control is maintained, but resource information sharing between layers is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer-specific controlVSAvoidresource information sharing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a database as an intermediary component that stores network information from multiple layers. This database acts as a mediator between different layer control mechanisms, allowing resource information to be shared across layers without disrupting the existing policy-based control architecture. The database enables upper layers to access lower layer resource information while maintaining the request-response control flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If label information varies for each layer and domain without means of sharing, then layer independence is maintained, but inter-layer linkage and automation become impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer independenceVSAvoidinter-layer linkage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal database structure that can store and manage label information from different layers and domains. This database serves multiple functions: storing layer-specific label information, providing access to upper layers, and enabling automated inter-layer linkage. The universal database maintains layer independence while facilitating automation by providing a common information repository that all layers can access.

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

3Loss of information

If network information of integrated layer is configured by integrating upper layer information with lower layer flow information, then comprehensive network information is achieved, but information management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork information integrationVSAvoidinformation management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network information management into distinct components: lower layer information storage, upper layer information storage, and an integrated layer information storage. Each segment handles specific types of information from specific layers, reducing the complexity of managing integrated information. The segmentation allows each component to focus on its specific layer's information while the database provides the integration framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3214806B1Network control device and network information management method
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 NEC CORP
  • EP3214806B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3214806B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3214806B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The objective of the invention is to enable sharing, between layers in a network in which the layers are used to perform communications, resource information and information required for using paths. A network control system includes: a lower layer information storage unit, a lower layer control information conversion unit, an upper layer information storage unit, an upper layer control information conversion unit, an integrated layer information storage unit and a layer integration unit. The layer integration unit integrates, as virtual links, the information of flows, which are representative of communications among terminals in the lower layer, with the network information of the upper layer, thereby constituting the network information of the integrated layer. Further, the layer integration unit performs reciprocal exchanges of network information among the integrated layer information storage unit, the lower layer information storage unit and the upper layer information storage unit, said reciprocal exchanges including a process of giving, as the attribute information of the ports of the upper layer, label information required for using the virtual link provided by the lower layer.