Provisional SDN Controller for Automated Data Center Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, configuring hundreds of physical switches and thousands of servers manually is time-consuming and error-prone, making it impractical for efficient operation, especially when new switches and servers need to be provisioned without initial network communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a provisional SDN controller and a configuration wizard that automates the discovery and configuration of physical switches and servers, using a management switch and IP fabric switches to create an 'in-band' and 'out-of-band' communication network, allowing for automated initialization and eventual migration to a full SDN controller with enhanced features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration of physical switches and servers is performed, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration through automated discovery workflows. The provisional SDN controller automatically discovers physical switches and servers, collects configuration information, and provisions devices without manual intervention. This eliminates the time-consuming manual configuration process while maintaining accuracy through systematic automated procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing configuration discovery and information collection before actual device provisioning. The system first discovers devices, gathers necessary configuration data, and prepares provisioning information in advance, which then enables rapid accurate configuration without manual intervention during the actual provisioning phase.
2Productivity
If automated configuration is implemented, then productivity increases, but configuration reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through multiple discovery workflows that verify configuration information. The provisional SDN controller continuously monitors device states, validates configuration data, and adjusts provisioning parameters based on actual device responses. This feedback loop ensures configuration reliability while maintaining automated high-speed provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing validation and verification steps before final configuration commitment. The system prepares configuration information, validates it against discovered device parameters, and has rollback mechanisms ready to handle potential configuration errors, thus protecting reliability while enabling automated high-speed provisioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a full SDN controller is deployed immediately, then functionality is complete, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the SDN controller functionality into two distinct components: a provisional SDN controller for initial device discovery and basic configuration, and a full SDN controller for advanced SDN features. This segmentation allows the system to start with simplified functionality and add complexity progressively, reducing initial system complexity while maintaining eventual full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by deploying a provisional SDN controller first to perform initial device discovery and basic provisioning. This preliminary controller prepares the system state, and only after successful initial configuration does the system introduce the full SDN controller for enhanced functionality, thus managing complexity through staged deployment.
4Ease of operation
If configuration workflows are automated, then ease of operation improves, but initial setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated discovery workflows that eliminate the need for manual configuration operations. Once deployed, the provisional SDN controller automatically discovers devices, collects configuration information, and provisions services without requiring operator intervention, thus achieving operational simplicity despite the sophisticated automated processes involved.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for configuring a data center includes a fabric management server coupled to a management switch. A provisional Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller executing on the fabric management server can discover physical servers coupled to the management switch, receive network interface configuration information from the physical servers, and use the discovered network interface configuration information to determine a configuration for switches and servers coupled to an IP fabric. The configuration can be migrated to a full functionality SDN controller.