On-Demand Network Connection Orchestration via Standardized Controller Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software-defined networking (SDN) systems face challenges due to the proliferation of underlying network controllers, which require customized control software to interface between the application and networking hardware, leading to complexity and inefficiency in managing network traffic and connections.
Innovation Solution
A system that provides on-demand networking capabilities by using a network GUI to communicate user parameters to a flow module, which generates network flow requests and transmits them to virtual network controllers via APIs, leveraging inventory and pricing information to manage network connections dynamically, while also utilizing APIs to communicate with network controllers and orchestrate on-demand network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized control software is used to interface between application and networking hardware in SDN systems, then network traffic control capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to proliferation of network controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized intermediary layer (standardized controller interface) between the application and networking hardware that mediates communication without requiring customized control software for each controller. This intermediary provides uniform protocols and data models that simplify interactions while maintaining full network traffic control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal controller interface that can work with multiple different network controllers through standardized protocols. This single interface design serves multiple functions across different controller types, eliminating the need for separate customized software for each controller and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network controllers are deployed to manage different network functions, then network service capability is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network control functions into standardized, independent modules that can be independently managed and orchestrated. Each controller function is divided into discrete, manageable units with well-defined interfaces, allowing complex network services to be built from simpler components while maintaining ease of management through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized controller interface acts as an intermediary that manages multiple network controllers uniformly. It provides a single point of management that can orchestrate multiple controllers without requiring direct complex interactions with each individual controller, thereby reducing management complexity while maintaining enhanced network service capabilities.
3Reliability
If customized control software is implemented for each network controller, then specific network control functionality is improved, but development and deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template-based controller configurations and standardized data models that can be copied and reused across different network controllers. Instead of developing customized control software from scratch for each controller, the same proven templates and interfaces can be replicated, significantly reducing development and deployment time while maintaining reliable network control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal standardized interface design allows a single control software implementation to work across multiple different network controllers. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate development cycles for each controller type, reducing overall development and deployment time while ensuring consistent and reliable network control functionality across the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system configured to provide software defined networking is described. The network system comprises networking hardware such as network controllers, memory and other storage devices, and processors. The processors execute instructions to implement various program modules. A user interface permits a user to generate a request for generating an on-demand network connection. A flow module generates a network flow request, based on the received request for generating the on-demand network connection, and transmits the network flow request to a controller module. The controller module controls the network controllers to generate the on-demand network connection based on the generated network flow request.