Northbound Intent-Based Interface for Dynamic SDN Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile communications networks, the static nature of the northbound interface in SDN environments requires applications to adapt and recompile when resource configurations change, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for northbound intent-based application insertion in SDN-architected mobile communications networks, where a network controller characterizes mobile applications, compares requested resources to recommended resources, and adjusts provisioning dynamically to account for variances, ensuring optimal resource allocation without requiring source code changes or recompilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the northbound interface uses a static configuration, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but applications must adapt and recompile when resource configurations change, reducing adaptability and increasing maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the controller or resource management system) that sits between the applications and the northbound interface. This intermediary dynamically generates and manages resource configurations based on application requirements and network conditions, allowing applications to remain static while the interface adapts. The intermediary translates application intents into concrete resource allocations without requiring application recompilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static northbound interface into a dynamic system where resource configurations are generated on-demand based on application characterization and current network conditions. The system continuously monitors and adjusts resource allocations without requiring applications to adapt, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining application simplicity.
2Productivity
If the northbound interface is static, then the interface design is simple, but resource allocation efficiency decreases when network conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the resource management system automatically characterizes applications, determines resource requirements, and allocates resources without manual intervention. The system monitors network conditions and dynamically adjusts allocations, enabling efficient resource utilization while the management system handles complexity internally rather than requiring complex external coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback loops where the system continuously monitors network conditions, application performance, and resource utilization. Based on this feedback, the resource management system dynamically adjusts allocations to optimize efficiency. The feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing conditions automatically, improving productivity while the feedback processing is handled by the management infrastructure.
3Reliability
If applications are redeployed frequently to adapt to NBI changes, then resource allocation can be optimized, but deployment time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary layer absorbs all changes and adaptations, shielding applications from NBI modifications. Applications interact with the intermediary through stable, unchanged interfaces, while the intermediary handles all dynamic resource management. This eliminates the need for application redeployment, ensuring continuous availability and preventing downtime associated with frequent deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of applications and pre-configures resource allocations based on predicted requirements. By preparing resource configurations in advance and maintaining a pool of pre-configured resources, the system can rapidly allocate resources when needed without requiring application redeployment, thus maintaining continuous availability while enabling quick adaptation to new applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Northbound intent-based application insertion may be employed within a mobile communications network established with a software defined network (SDN) including both an applications plane and also a control plane in which different infrastructure resources are accessible through a northbound API. A request from a mobile application first is received in the control plane for the application to be inserted into the application layer utilizing different infrastructure resources of the control plane. The mobile application is then characterized and a set of recommended resources for the characterization retrieved. Finally, those of the resources to be utilized by the mobile application are compared to the set of recommended resources in order to identify a variance of resources and the resources to be utilized by the mobile application, as adjusted by the variance of resources, are then provisioned for use by the mobile application.