Network Path Rerouting via Shared Controller and Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized controllers in networks face challenges in timely repair of non-operational paths due to information overload and potential operational failures, leading to traffic loss and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A controller platform that shares path control with network devices, providing data for primary and secondary paths, allowing devices to reroute traffic and repair paths autonomously while the controller is operational again.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized controller manages all path control in the network, then path management is centralized and coordinated, but the controller experiences information overload and operational failures leading to traffic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments path control functionality by dividing responsibilities between the centralized controller and network devices. The centralized controller provides path data and high-level coordination, while individual network devices autonomously monitor their own path status and execute local rerouting decisions. This segmentation reduces the information processing burden on the centralized controller and enables continued network operation even when the controller fails.
2Productivity
If the centralized controller repairs paths, then path repairs are coordinated centrally, but repair time increases due to information overload and potential controller failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring secondary paths and rerouting instructions in the path data provided by the centralized controller. When a path failure occurs, network devices can immediately execute pre-planned rerouting operations without waiting for controller analysis and decision-making. This reduces repair time while maintaining centralized coordination for path data updates.
3Speed
If network devices have autonomous control capabilities, then rerouting speed increases during failures, but device complexity and autonomy management becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the centralized controller as an intermediary that provides pre-processed path data and rerouting instructions to network devices. This intermediary approach enables devices to make fast local decisions based on predetermined rules and data, achieving high rerouting speed without requiring complex autonomous intelligence. The controller mediates between central coordination needs and local execution requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A device provides path data associated with a network that includes network devices interconnected by links. The path data includes data identifying a first path and a second path to be provided through the network. The device provides an instruction to cause the network devices to provide information identifying the first path and to route traffic via the first path, and receives an indication of a failure associated with the first path. The indication causes the network devices to provide information identifying the second path and to re-route the traffic from the first path to the second path. The device causes the failure associated with the first path to be repaired while the traffic is re-routed to the second path, and provides, based on causing the failure to be repaired, another instruction to cause the network devices to route the traffic via the first path.