Network Controller Flow Control for L3 Mobility Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network systems face inefficiencies in handling mobility events of mobile devices between subnets, leading to tromboning or hairpinning data packet flows that consume network bandwidth and create redundant routing paths, especially with a large number of Bring Your Own Devices (BYODs) in enterprise networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect mobility events by forming and transmitting flow control messages to update routing information, disable layer 2 learning, and provide layer 2 switching instructions to direct network traffic efficiently across subnets, using a network controller and core router to manage routing and switching operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional routing methods are used for mobile devices moving between subnets, then routing information can be updated, but tromboning or hairpinning data packet flows occur that consume network bandwidth and create redundant routing paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively updating routing information in advance of mobility events. The network controller predicts mobile device movement patterns and pre-configures routing paths, so that when mobility events occur, data packets can be routed efficiently without creating tromboning or hairpinning flows. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining routing accuracy while avoiding redundant bandwidth consumption through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary between mobile devices and the core routing infrastructure. This intermediary monitors mobility events, manages routing information updates, and coordinates Layer 2 switching instructions across subnets. By acting as a mediator, it ensures accurate routing information is maintained while optimizing packet flows to eliminate redundant paths, thus resolving the bandwidth consumption issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of Bring Your Own Devices (BYODs) are allowed in enterprise networks, then network versatility and user flexibility improve, but the complexity of handling mobility events and updating routing information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling mobile devices to autonomously report their mobility events to the network controller. Devices automatically provide location and status information, allowing the system to manage routing updates without manual intervention. This reduces the complexity of handling numerous BYOD devices while maintaining network flexibility, as each device serves itself in reporting changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where mobile devices continuously report their status and location to the network controller, which then adjusts routing information accordingly. This real-time feedback loop allows the system to adapt to mobility events dynamically, managing large numbers of BYOD devices efficiently while maintaining network versatility and reducing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If routing information is updated frequently to track mobile devices, then routing accuracy improves, but network traffic and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing event-driven routing updates that occur only when necessary mobility events are detected, rather than continuous periodic updates. The network controller monitors for specific triggers (device movement between subnets, connection changes) and updates routing information only at these discrete moments. This maintains routing accuracy while significantly reducing unnecessary network traffic and processing overhead compared to frequent continuous updates.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for efficiently handling mobility events includes detecting a mobility event associated with a movement of a mobile unit from a first subnet to a second subnet, forming one or more first flow control messages for updating routing information associated with the mobility event, transmitting the one or more first flow control messages to a core router, forming one or more second flow control messages for disabling layer 2 learning, transmitting the one or more second flow control messages to one or more network switching devices in the first subnet, forming one or more third flow control messages including layer 2 switching instructions for directing network traffic to the mobile unit in the second subnet, and transmitting the one or more third flow control messages.