OpenFlow Switch Tunnel Type Selection via Controller Match Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a hybrid networking environment with OpenFlow switches and conventional switches, the complexity of data packet forwarding increases when different tunnel types are supported by the first-hop and next-hop switches, requiring tunnel switching and mapping mechanisms, which can be simplified by reducing the need for gateways or bridges.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the tunnel type supported by the next-hop switch, generate an OXM_OF_TUNNEL_ID match field by combining code and label values, and send a forwarding policy to the previous-hop OpenFlow switch to encapsulate data packets according to the supported tunnel type, thereby avoiding tunnel switching and mapping mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tunnel switching and mapping mechanism are used to forward data packets between switches supporting different tunnel types, then forwarding compatibility is improved, but forwarding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that generates flow rules and OXM_OF_TUNNEL_ID match fields to enable tunnel type mapping. The controller acts as a mediator between switches with different tunnel type capabilities, allowing automatic tunnel type selection and packet encapsulation without requiring complex local tunnel switching mechanisms at each switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by using OXM_OF_TUNNEL_ID match fields that encode both tunnel type information and destination identification. This parameter transformation allows a single field to carry multiple pieces of information, simplifying the forwarding decision process and reducing the need for multiple separate mapping mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gateways or bridges are introduced to handle tunnel type mismatches, then network interoperability is improved, but network structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the OpenFlow switch universal by enabling it to handle multiple tunnel types (VLAN, VxLAN, GRE) through a single switch interface. The switch can dynamically adapt to different tunnel types based on flow rules from the controller, eliminating the need for separate gateways or bridges for each tunnel type and reducing overall network structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical addition of physical gateways or bridges with a software-based solution. The controller software dynamically generates appropriate encapsulation rules and OXM_OF_TUNNEL_ID fields, substituting the need for additional physical network devices with intelligent software control planes that run on existing switches.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a tunnel type selection method and apparatus, which relate to the field of information technologies, and can reduce data packet forwarding complexity. The method includes: first, combining, by a controller, a code and a label value that are corresponding to a tunnel type supported by a next-hop switch, generating an OXM_OF_TUNNEL_ID match field, and sending a forwarding policy that carries the OXM_OF_TUNNEL_ID match field to a previous-hop OpenFlow switch; then, extracting, by the previous-hop OpenFlow switch, the code and the label value that are corresponding to the tunnel type, and encapsulating a data packet according to the code and the label value that are corresponding to the tunnel type; finally, sending, by the previous-hop OpenFlow switch, the encapsulated data packet to the next-hop switch. The embodiments of the present invention are applicable to data packet forwarding in a hybrid networking environment of an OpenFlow switch and a conventional switch.