OpenFlow Controller Combined Flow Entry and Packet Message
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Solution Overview
Problem
In SDN networks, the frequent exchange of independent flow entry installation and packet sending messages between the OpenFlow controller and switch leads to a significant signaling load, particularly during processes like handover for multiple users, causing control interfaces to become overloaded.
Innovation Solution
A method where the OpenFlow controller sends a combined flow entry installation message carrying the to-be-installed flow entry and packet sending information, allowing the switch to simultaneously install the flow entry and send the packet, thereby reducing unnecessary control message exchange and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If independent flow entry installation message and packet sending message are used separately, then the control logic can be clearly separated from forwarding function, but the signaling load on control interfaces increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow entry installation message and packet sending message into a single combined message. The controller sends both the flow entry (matching rules and actions) and the packet to be forwarded in one message, eliminating the need for separate message exchanges and reducing signaling load on control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined message serves multiple functions simultaneously: it installs flow entries in the switch, delivers packets to be forwarded, and maintains clear separation between control and forwarding planes. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of messages while preserving the benefits of SDN architecture.
2Productivity
If frequent packet forwarding operations are performed, then the network can handle multiple user handovers, but the control interfaces become overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
By combining flow entry installation and packet delivery into one message, the patent reduces the number of control interface transactions required for each packet forwarding operation. This allows frequent packet forwarding (e.g., during multiple user handovers) without overloading the control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary preparation by including both the flow entry and the packet in a single message before the switch needs to forward it. This preliminary action reduces the need for additional control messages during time-critical forwarding operations, improving both efficiency and interface stability.
3Device complexity
If separate messages are used for flow entry installation and packet sending, then message processing is simpler, but the overall operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines flow entry installation and packet sending into a single message exchange, eliminating the sequential time required for separate message transmissions. The switch receives both the flow entry and packet in one message, installs the flow entry, and forwards the packet without waiting for additional control messages, thereby reducing overall operation time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a packet processing method and an apparatus. The method includes: determining a to-be-installed flow entry and packet sending information; and sending, to a switch, a flow entry installation message carrying the to-be-installed flow entry and the packet sending information, so that the switch obtains the to-be-installed flow entry and the packet sending information from the flow entry installation message, installs the flow entry, and sends a packet according to the packet sending information. In the present invention, a controller sends a flow entry installation message carrying a to-be-installed flow entry and a packet sending message, where the to-be-installed flow entry and a to-be-sent packet are simultaneously sent, so that a switch simultaneously receives the to-be-installed flow entry and the to-be-sent packet, and performs flow entry installation and packet sending, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling exchange, and improving efficiency of flow entry installation and packet sending.