OpenFlow Controller Traffic Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network switches and routers are inflexible and difficult to configure for experimental protocols due to proprietary software and limited management interfaces, making it challenging for researchers to modify their behavior or implement non-standard protocols.
Innovation Solution
Implementing the OpenFlow protocol allows users to programmatically control switch devices, including modifying flow tables, through a controller, enabling the configuration of switches and routers to operate based on open standards and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary software and algorithms are used in existing switches and routers, then the devices can operate based on standard protocols, but researchers cannot modify the behavior or configure the devices to operate based on non-standard protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switch functionality by separating the control plane (protocol processing, flow table management) from the data plane (packet forwarding). This allows the control plane to be programmatically configured via OpenFlow protocol while the data plane maintains high-speed switching capabilities, enabling researchers to modify protocol behavior without affecting core switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an OpenFlow controller as an intermediary between researchers and the switch device. This controller provides a standardized interface for programmatically configuring flow tables and modifying switch behavior, eliminating the need for direct access to proprietary software while enabling protocol experimentation.
2Ease of operation
If management interfaces are provided on existing switches, then users can perform simple management tasks, but the interfaces do not allow modification of switch behavior or flow table entries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed management interface of traditional switches into a dynamic, programmable interface via OpenFlow. The flow table becomes dynamically configurable through SDN controllers, allowing real-time modification of switch behavior, flow routing, and protocol handling without requiring physical access or proprietary software changes.
3Productivity
If flow tables are configured in hardware chips (ASICs or FPGAs), then packets can be forwarded at line rate, but the flow tables cannot be easily modified or accessed by users
Solution Approach 1:
The OpenFlow controller serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of hardware flow table configuration. Researchers can programmatically configure flow tables through high-level OpenFlow API calls, and the controller automatically translates these into the appropriate hardware-specific configurations, maintaining line-rate forwarding while enabling easy modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical process of configuring hardware flow tables (which requires direct hardware access and proprietary tools) with a software-based OpenFlow protocol. This substitution allows flow table configuration to be performed remotely and programmatically while maintaining the high-speed hardware forwarding capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of monitoring network traffic includes accessing a network that includes a controller and a switch device having a flow table, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the switch device, and is configured to program a behavior of the switch device through an openflow protocol, and obtaining information regarding the programmed behavior of the switch device, wherein the act of obtaining the information is performed by a network appliance that is communicatively coupled to the network. An apparatus communicatively coupled to a network, includes a processor configured for accessing the network that includes a controller and a switch device having a flow table, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the switch device, and is configured to program a behavior of the switch device through an openflow protocol, and obtaining information regarding the programmed behavior of the switch device.