Network Relay Apparatus Virtual Switch Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network switch devices, such as those using OpenFlow systems, face limitations in flexibility, particularly in initiating communication with newly activated terminal apparatuses and allowing independent testing of processes by users, leading to inflexible operations.
Innovation Solution
A network relay apparatus comprising multiple switch portions and a redirect portion, where the redirect portion receives data with switch selection information and transfers it to the appropriate switch portion for processing, and the switch portions execute processes based on held instruction information, enabling flexible operation and independent user-defined processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single control device is used to manage network switches, then centralized control is achieved, but flexibility and independence of user operations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into multiple independent virtual switch portions (first virtual switch portion, second virtual switch portion, etc.), each capable of independently executing user-defined processes. This segmentation allows different users to operate independently while maintaining a unified physical device structure, thereby improving flexibility without significantly increasing physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each virtual switch portion can execute various user-defined processes (multicast, unicast, discard, etc.) based on held instruction information. The same physical switch device can serve multiple users with different requirements simultaneously, achieving multi-functionality and improved adaptability.
2Reliability
If communication with control device is intercepted, then security is improved, but initiation of communication with newly activated terminal apparatus is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual switch portions autonomously execute processes based on pre-held instruction information without requiring continuous external control. When a terminal apparatus is activated, the corresponding virtual switch portion can independently initiate communication processes based on its stored instructions, maintaining security while enabling new connections.
3Productivity
If multiple users share a single control device, then resource utilization is improved, but independent testing of user-defined processes is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into multiple virtual switch portions, each providing an independent execution environment for user-defined processes. Users can test their processes independently within their own virtual switch portion while sharing the physical hardware resources, thus maintaining both resource efficiency and independent testing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a network relay apparatus allowing flexible operations. Data including information for selecting any of the switch portions is received through any of the communication ports, and on the basis of the switch portion selection information, a switch portion is selected as an output destination, and data is transferred to the selected switch portion. In the switch portion, the process is executed on the basis of instruction information which represents the content of the process to be executed designated by the user.