Network Controller Base Topology Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Complexity in network topology makes it difficult to recognize patterns and select optimal base topologies for network switching products, leading to inefficient network traffic configuration and utilization.
Innovation Solution
A network controller that receives initiation, configuration, and status messages from switching devices, applies heuristic rules to determine and select a base topology, and provisions network switching devices accordingly, using discovery requests and responses to map network links and switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network topology becomes more complex to accommodate dynamic network configurations, then network adaptability and versatility improve, but the difficulty of recognizing patterns and identifying advantageous configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary device that mediates between the complex network topology and the switching devices. The controller receives topology information from switching devices, processes this information to identify patterns and determine advantageous configurations, and then provisions the switching devices accordingly. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by centralizing the complex pattern recognition and decision-making functions, allowing the network to remain adaptable while simplifying the process of identifying optimal configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual configuration methods are used for base topology selection, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but time and cost associated with network configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the network controller automatically performs base topology selection and switching device provisioning without requiring manual intervention. The controller receives topology information from switching devices, autonomously processes this information to determine advantageous configurations, and automatically provisions the devices. This self-service approach eliminates the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining implementation simplicity through automated decision-making and provisioning.
3Productivity
If automated topology selection is implemented, then configuration time and cost are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller serves as an intermediary that centralizes the automated topology selection functionality. Rather than distributing complex automated decision-making logic across multiple switching devices, the controller consolidates these functions in a single dedicated device. This intermediary approach improves configuration efficiency by automating the process while managing system complexity through centralized architecture, where the controller handles the computational burden of pattern recognition and configuration determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network management functions by separating the control plane (residing in the network controller) from the data plane (residing in the switching devices). The controller handles high-level decisions regarding topology selection and provisioning, while the switching devices focus on packet forwarding and local status reporting. This segmentation improves overall configuration efficiency by assigning specialized functions to appropriate components, while managing complexity through functional separation rather than requiring every device to perform all functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for base topology selection includes a network controller including a control unit and one or more ports coupled to the control unit and configured to couple the network controller to one or more network switching devices of a network. The network controller is configured to receive initiation messages from the network switching devices, receive configuration and status messages from the network switching devices, transmit discovery requests to the network switching devices, receive discovery responses from the network switching devices, determine a network topology of the network based on information associated with the initiation messages, the configuration and status messages, and the discovery responses, apply heuristic rules to the network topology, and select a base topology based on results of the applied heuristic rules. The network controller may further be configured to transmit flow control messages to the network switching devices to provision the network consistent with the selected base topology.