Network Controller Virtual Topology for Multi-Vendor Switch Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring network switches from different vendors is challenging due to operating system and control protocol incompatibilities, making centralized management difficult and time-consuming, especially in complex networks.
Innovation Solution
A controller implemented on computing equipment generates a virtual network topology using virtual switches, routers, and system routers across physical and hypervisor switches, allowing for centralized control and configuration of network forwarding operations through flow table entries and network policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cross-platform protocols and controller clients are implemented on switches from different vendors, then centralized control of incompatible switches is achieved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that mediates between the network administrator and multiple vendor switches. The controller translates high-level forwarding rules into vendor-specific configurations, eliminating the need for administrators to directly configure each switch's proprietary system and reducing configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides a universal interface for managing switches from different vendors. Instead of requiring separate configuration procedures for each vendor's switch, the controller offers a single unified system that can manage multiple switch types through standard protocols, simplifying the management process.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of switches is performed by network administrators, then precise control over forwarding operations is achieved, but time consumption and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-computes optimal forwarding rules and prepares configuration parameters before they are needed. When network changes are required, the controller already has the necessary forwarding instructions ready to be deployed, significantly reducing the time required to implement configuration changes while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated self-configuration of switches based on centrally managed forwarding rules. The controller automatically generates and pushes configuration parameters to switches without requiring manual administrator intervention for each configuration change, reducing time consumption while maintaining configuration accuracy through centralized control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor switch equipment is integrated into a single network, then network versatility and compatibility are improved, but control protocol incompatibility and management difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as a mediator that translates between the unified management interface and vendor-specific switch protocols. It handles protocol conversions and compatibility issues transparently, allowing administrators to manage diverse switch equipment through a single standardized interface without dealing with individual vendor protocol differences.
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller implemented on computing equipment may be used to control switches in a network. End hosts may be coupled to the switches. The controller may generate a virtual network topology of virtual switches, virtual routers, and virtual system routers that are distributed over underlying switches in the network. The controller may form virtual switches from respective groups of end hosts, virtual routers from groups of virtual switches that include virtual interfaces that are coupled to virtual switches, and a virtual system router from groups of virtual routers that includes virtual system router interfaces that are coupled to the virtual routers. The controller may control the virtual network topology by generating respective flow table entries based on identified network policies for each of the virtual routers, virtual system routers, and virtual switches. The controller may control the virtual system routers to route packets between the virtual routers.