Quantized Congestion Notification for OpenFlow Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing congestion avoidance techniques in networks, such as QCN, rely on indirect CNM relay through multiple Congestion Points (CPs), which can introduce delays and inefficiencies in congestion mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A method where a CP unit directly sends a first congestion notification message (CNM) to a controller and a second CNM to a Reaction Point (RP) unit, allowing for immediate congestion management and faster response times by enabling direct communication through a secure Open Flow protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If congestion notification messages are relayed indirectly through multiple Congestion Points, then network coverage is extended, but reaction time increases and congestion mitigation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the congestion notification process into two independent message types: first CNMs sent directly to controllers and second CNMs sent directly to RPs. This segmentation allows parallel processing and eliminates the need for sequential relay through multiple CPs, reducing reaction time while maintaining comprehensive network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new communication dimension by establishing direct communication channels between CPs and both controllers and RPs simultaneously. Instead of a single linear relay path, the system creates a multi-dimensional communication architecture where CNMs can reach multiple destinations through independent direct channels, eliminating relay delays.
2Reliability
If direct communication between CP and controller/RP is implemented, then reaction time is reduced, but communication security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces secure channels as intermediary mechanisms between CPs and controllers/RPs. These secure channels act as protected conduits that enable direct communication while mitigating security risks through encryption and authentication protocols, allowing the system to achieve both fast reaction time and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where controllers and RPs receive CNMs directly from CPs and can immediately respond with congestion control actions. This feedback loop is enabled through secure direct communication, allowing rapid congestion mitigation while security protocols ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the feedback information.
3Productivity
If multiple CNMs are sent simultaneously to controller and RP, then congestion response speed increases, but message processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments CNM processing into two independent parallel paths: one for controller notification and one for RP notification. Each path processes its own CNM independently through dedicated secure channels, eliminating message processing bottlenecks while enabling simultaneous response from both control planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple CNMs in advance at the CP, structuring them for simultaneous transmission to different destinations. This preliminary preparation allows the congestion response to be initiated parallelly across multiple channels, reducing overall processing time while maintaining clear separation of processing logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining, by a congestion point (CP) unit, traffic flow congestion in an Open Flow environment network. The CP unit comprises an Open Flow switch including a device including logic where an action is associated with each flow entry in the device. A congestion point (CP) unit sends a first congestion notification message (CNM) directly to at least one controller and sends a second CNM directly to at least one reaction point (RP) unit. The CP unit communicates with the at least one controller through a secure channel via Open Flow protocol.