OpenFlow Node Identifier Matching for Packet Forwarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In OpenFlow communication systems, delays in setting, changing, or deleting flow entries can lead to unintended packet forwarding paths due to conflicts and failures, resulting in incorrect processing rules being executed in nodes.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where nodes associate processing rules with identifiers, and only execute actions if the packet's identifier matches the corresponding identifier in the processing rule, preventing unintended actions by ensuring correct matching and processing based on verified identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flow entries are set dynamically in OpenFlow switches, then network flexibility and adaptability are improved, but communication delays occur between controller and switches causing unintended packet forwarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting default flow entries in switches before dynamic flow entries are installed. When a packet arrives, if the dynamic flow entry is not yet installed (due to communication delay), the default flow entry ensures correct forwarding. This preliminary preparation prevents unintended forwarding actions during the delay period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating backup default flow entries that cushion against the harmful effects of communication delays. These default entries act as a safety mechanism, ensuring that even if dynamic flow entries are delayed or lost during transmission between controller and switch, packets will still be forwarded correctly through the default paths.
2Extent of automation
If flow entry setting is performed via OpenFlow protocol, then centralized control is achieved, but setting delays cause conflicts with existing flow entries leading to incorrect processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by installing default flow entries before dynamic flow entries. This ensures that when dynamic flow entries are being configured through the OpenFlow protocol, the default entries are already in place to handle packets correctly, preventing configuration accuracy issues during the delay period.
Solution Approach 2:
The default flow entries act as an intermediary mechanism between the centralized controller and the switch forwarding plane. During the delay period when dynamic flow entries are being configured, the default entries mediate packet forwarding to ensure correctness, bridging the gap between centralized control commands and actual forwarding actions.
3Productivity
If flow entries are updated based on packet matching, then network optimization is improved, but delays in updating cause packets to match unintended flow entries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring default flow entries that are ready to handle packets immediately. When optimization requires updating flow entries but delays occur, the default entries are already in place to correctly process packets, preventing the loss of time from causing incorrect packet matching.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes at least one node that processes a packet, and a control device that receives a request for a transmission of a first processing rule from said node, the first processing rule including a matching rule and a second processing rule that conforms to the matching rule, the matching rule being for comparing with information included in the packet. The control device retrieves a first processing rule which corresponds to an identifier from a database if the identifier for identifying the first processing rule is included in the request.