Network Controller Virtual Sub-Networks Management Traffic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems require separate physical sub-networks for management traffic, which increases complexity, cost, and inefficiency, while lacking flexibility and security.
Innovation Solution
Implementing virtual sub-networks with separate slices for management traffic, using protocols like OpenFlow and SDN to create isolated paths for management and network traffic, allowing secure and flexible configuration within a single sub-network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate physical sub-networks are used for management traffic, then management traffic can be isolated from network traffic, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different virtual sub-networks (first virtual sub-network for network traffic, second virtual sub-network for management traffic) within a single physical network infrastructure. This allows traffic isolation without requiring separate physical hardware, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges management traffic and network traffic into a single physical network infrastructure by using virtual sub-networks. Instead of separate physical networks, the system combines both traffic types into one unified physical network with virtual logical separation, reducing device complexity while maintaining isolation
2Reliability
If separate physical sub-networks are used for management traffic, then management traffic isolation is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines management and network traffic into a single physical network infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate physical sub-networks. This merging approach reduces hardware costs, installation expenses, and maintenance requirements while maintaining traffic isolation through virtualization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of network sub-networks (first virtual sub-network, second virtual sub-network) that replicate the isolation functionality of physical networks but with lower cost. These virtual sub-networks provide the same traffic separation benefits without requiring dedicated physical infrastructure
3Reliability
If separate physical sub-networks are used for management traffic, then traffic isolation is achieved, but bandwidth efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges management and network traffic into a single physical network infrastructure, allowing shared bandwidth resources. This eliminates the dedicated bandwidth allocation required for separate physical sub-networks, improving bandwidth efficiency while maintaining traffic isolation through virtual sub-networks
Solution Approach 2:
The physical network infrastructure serves multiple functions by handling both network traffic and management traffic simultaneously through virtual sub-networks. This multi-functionality allows the same physical bandwidth to be utilized for multiple purposes, improving overall bandwidth usage efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for management of virtual sub-networks includes a network controller including a control unit and one or more ports coupled to the control unit. The network controller is configured to receive a first admit request from a network switching device on a first virtual sub-network, form a first admit response based on information associated with the first admit request, transmit the first admit response to the network switching device on the first virtual sub-network, form one or more first flow control messages including configuration information for coupling the network controller and the network switching device using a second virtual sub-network, transmit the one or more first flow control messages, transmit a first migrate message to the network switching device, and exchange management traffic with the network switching device using the second virtual sub-network.