SDN Bridging Platform for Heterogeneous Controller Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In software-defined networking (SDN) environments, differing SDN controllers and modeling frameworks hinder communication paths between heterogeneous equipment, leading to difficulties in managing network outages and service interruptions for larger service providers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for establishing an open flow connection between differing SDN controllers by generating a networking interface, exchanging networking information, and creating a logical switch, enabling layer two open flow connections and east-west communication, using an SDN bridging platform that matches changes with the control plane and database table to prepare scripts for execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If differing SDN controllers and modeling frameworks are used, then network architecture flexibility and vendor diversity are improved, but communication paths between heterogeneous equipment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that mediates between different SDN controller protocols. This intermediary component translates networking information between different controller frameworks, enabling communication between heterogeneous equipment without requiring direct protocol compatibility between all controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal networking interface that can handle multiple controller types. This interface is designed to be multi-functional, capable of exchanging networking information with various SDN controllers using different protocols, thereby providing a single point of interaction for diverse network architectures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous SDN controllers are deployed, then vendor diversity and network adaptability are improved, but management of network outages and service interruptions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SDN controller interface into distinct functional components: a discovery component for identifying controllers, an information component for exchanging networking data, and a switch component for managing connections. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific operational tasks independently, simplifying the management of outages and service interruptions across heterogeneous controllers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If networking information exchange is implemented between SDN controllers, then integration across multi-vendor networks is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary translation layer acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of protocol translation and information exchange. By centralizing this complexity in a dedicated intermediary component, the overall system architecture remains manageable while still achieving integration across multi-vendor controllers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product for open flow connection between differing software-defined network controllers are provided. The method generates a networking interface between a first networking controller and a second networking controller. Networking information is exchanged between the first networking controller and the second networking controller using the networking interface. A logical switch is generated between the first networking controller and the second networking controller by matching at least a portion of the networking information of the second networking controller at the first networking controller. The method exchanges the matched portion of the networking information from the first networking controller with the second networking controller to create layer two open flow connection between the first networking controller and the second networking controller.