Network Virtualization Emulating Control Plane Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network virtualization in packet networks, such as VPNs, is limited to forwarding functions and does not include management and control functions, with protocols like BGP and OSPF operating on the entire network rather than being customer-specific.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for providing network virtualization that allows managing and controlling the network at the virtual network layer by instantiating user requests for network components and features over real network resources, using an application server to emulate virtualized network elements and connections, enabling customers to design and manage virtual networks as if they were real.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network virtualization is implemented using traditional VPN methods with VRF tables, then forwarding functions can be virtualized, but control plane and management plane functions remain operating on the real network and cannot be virtualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control plane into multiple virtual instances, allowing each virtual network to have its own dedicated control plane instance. This is achieved through virtualizing network elements such as routers, switches, and protocol speakers, enabling BGP and OSPF protocols to operate independently within each virtual network context rather than on the entire physical network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network virtualization layer that acts as an intermediary between the physical network infrastructure and virtual network services. This virtualization layer manages the mapping between virtual network elements and physical network resources, enabling control plane functions to be virtualized while maintaining compatibility with the underlying physical network.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control plane protocols operate on the entire network, then network-wide routing is achieved, but customer-specific virtual network control cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control plane by creating virtual instances of network elements (routers, switches, protocol speakers) that operate independently within each virtual network. This allows BGP and OSPF protocols to run in isolated virtual contexts, enabling customer-specific routing control while maintaining network-wide connectivity through the underlying physical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of network elements and control plane functions that operate within isolated virtual network contexts. These virtual copies replicate the functionality of physical network elements but operate independently, allowing multiple customers to have their own controlled network environments while sharing the same physical infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization is limited to forwarding functions only, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but comprehensive network management virtualization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions into data plane (forwarding) and control plane (routing, management) components, and virtualizes both independently. This comprehensive virtualization approach allows customers to manage not only packet forwarding but also routing protocols, network policies, and management functions within their virtual network context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal network virtualization platform that can instantiate multiple types of network elements (routers, switches, protocol speakers) and support multiple virtual networks simultaneously. This multi-functional system provides comprehensive network management capabilities across different network layers and functions through a unified virtualization framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing network virtualization on a packet network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a user, wherein the request comprises at least one of: a feature of a network component or a network component for a virtual network. The method determines if the request can be instantiated over one or more real network resources, and then instantiates the request via the one or more real network resources, if it is determined that the request can be instantiated.