Programmable Switch ID Mobility Control via Identifier Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network technologies struggle to support seamless mobility of mobile devices due to the inherent coupling of ID and location identifiers in IP addresses, leading to disruptions in communication when devices move between networks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a programmable switch with a software-defined data plane, including mobile terminal nodes, access points, and control nodes, decouples ID and location identifiers by using P4runtime and Bfruntime protocols to manage and bind identifiers, ensuring continuous connectivity through a global control node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If IP address is used as both ID identifier and location identifier, then network routing is simplified, but device mobility is disrupted when location changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IP address functionality into two separate components: a persistent device identifier (first IP address) and a dynamic location identifier (second IP address). The device identifier remains constant while the location identifier changes with network location, resolving the conflict between routing simplicity and mobility support by separating these two functions that were previously coupled in the traditional single IP address system.
2Reliability
If MobilityFirst protocol stack is implemented, then device mobility is supported, but compatibility with existing network equipment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary component that manages the mapping between device identifiers and location identifiers. This intermediary enables MobilityFirst functionality by handling the complexity of dual IP address management and protocol translation, while existing network equipment can continue to operate with traditional IP routing, thus bridging the gap between new mobility requirements and legacy infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a virtual copy of the traditional IP routing layer through the first IP address (device identifier), which maintains compatibility with existing network equipment. Simultaneously, a second IP address (location identifier) is introduced for actual routing purposes. This copying approach allows the network to maintain backward compatibility while enabling new mobility capabilities.
3Reliability
If dual IP address system is implemented, then mobility is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic IP address management where the device and network controller autonomously handle the assignment, maintenance, and updating of both the first IP address (device identifier) and second IP address (location identifier). This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration and reduces user burden, managing the complexity of dual IP addresses through automated processes that transparently handle mobility events.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the technical field of network communication, in particular to a method and system for controlling ID identifier network mobility based on a programmable switch. The system includes mobile terminal nodes, mobile access points, programmable switching nodes and control nodes, wherein the control nodes include local control nodes and a global control node, the mobile terminal nodes are connected and communicated with the mobile access points through wireless data links, the mobile access points are connected and communicated with the programmable switching nodes through wired data links, and the programmable switching nodes, the local control nodes and the global control node are connected and communicated in order through control links.