Network Control Apparatus for Multi-Layer Resource Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems struggle to optimize network throughput and ensure service quality without considering the underlying physical layer resources, as they primarily focus on logical configurations rather than resource allocation at the lower layer network.
Innovation Solution
A network control system with a multi-layer structure that monitors service levels and adjusts packet headers to dynamically allocate resources on the lower layer, allowing for changes in resource allocation based on monitoring results to optimize network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network management focuses on logical configuration (forwarding graph) without considering lower layer resources, then ease of operation is improved, but network throughput optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control apparatus as an intermediary between the overlay network (logical layer) and underlay network (physical layer). This control apparatus monitors service levels and dynamically adjusts packet header settings to coordinate resource allocation across layers, enabling throughput optimization without compromising management simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a control dimension by introducing a new layer of management that operates across the traditional layer boundaries. The control apparatus monitors service levels and adjusts packet headers to coordinate resource allocation between overlay and underlay networks, enabling optimization without compromising management simplicity.
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware equipment is introduced for new network services, then service quality assurance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual network functions (software copies) to replicate network service capabilities without requiring physical hardware copies. Virtual machines implement network functions that can be dynamically allocated and managed, providing service quality assurance while avoiding the complexity and cost of dedicated hardware equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal virtualized infrastructure that can host multiple network services on shared hardware platforms. The control apparatus manages resource allocation dynamically, allowing a single hardware platform to serve multiple services with quality assurance, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual network functions are deployed without coordinating lower layer resource allocation, then adaptability is improved, but service level fulfillment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor service levels in the overlay network and adjust packet header settings in the underlay network accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that VNF deployment flexibility does not compromise service level fulfillment, as the system automatically coordinates resource allocation based on actual service performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system, a network control method, and a control apparatus are provided that can easily achieve assurance of the quality of a network service and optimization of the throughput of an entire system. A network control apparatus (10) controls a network (20) having a multi-layer structure, monitors whether or not a network service on a first layer fulfills a required service level, and depending on a result of the monitoring, changes a setting of a packet header so that resources on the first layer will be changed, wherein resources on the lower layer are changed in accordance with a change in the setting of the packet header.