SDN-Based CDN Architecture for Open Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Content Distribution Networks (CDNs) face challenges such as closed bearer networks, exclusive hardware dependence, and complex management, which hinder their openness, cost-effectiveness, and usability, particularly when integrating with Software Defined Networks (SDN) to meet increasing service quality demands and reduce operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for implementing a CDN based on SDN, comprising an application unit, orchestration unit, control unit, and data forwarding unit, which include modules for resource management, service orchestration, and data forwarding, allowing for dynamic allocation of resources and path determination based on network load balancing and routing conditions, using SDN's programmability to create L2 and L3 forwarding tables and manage resources efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CDN uses closed bearer networks and exclusive hardware, then service quality can be maintained, but openness and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CDN system into multiple independent functional modules including edge nodes, gateway nodes, and control units. Each module operates semi-independently with standardized interfaces, allowing the system to maintain stable service quality through proven module designs while enabling flexibility by allowing individual modules to be updated, replaced, or configured differently without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal standardized interfaces and protocols across all CDN nodes and control units. The gateway nodes and edge nodes use common data structures, communication protocols, and control interfaces, enabling different hardware platforms and software implementations to work together seamlessly. This universality provides adaptability while maintaining service quality through consistent behavior across the distributed system.
2Productivity
If CDN uses exclusive hardware, then performance can be ensured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control logic from hardware-specific implementations and places it in software-based control units that can operate across different hardware platforms. The control units use standardized interfaces and can be deployed on various hardware configurations, allowing the system to achieve high performance through optimized software while avoiding the complexity and cost of dedicated exclusive hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtualization and software-defined networking concepts where control functions are copied across multiple standard hardware platforms rather than requiring unique custom hardware for each node. Virtual network functions and software-based control planes enable the same control logic to run on diverse hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining performance through software optimization.
3Reliability
If CDN implements comprehensive service orchestration, then service quality improves, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gateway nodes as intermediary components between edge nodes and control units. These gateway nodes handle complex orchestration tasks, resource management, and coordination functions, shielding upper-layer service management from the complexity of underlying distributed node operations. The gateways provide standardized interfaces that simplify management while enabling comprehensive service orchestration across the CDN infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where control units continuously monitor service quality metrics, node status, and resource utilization, then automatically adjust orchestration decisions and resource allocation. This closed-loop control enables comprehensive service quality management through automated responses to changing conditions, reducing the need for manual management intervention while maintaining high service quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for implementing a CDN based on SDN are provided. The method includes: a complete service logic function of the CDN is added on an application layer of the SDN, and an application unit sends a resource requirement request and service orchestration request to an orchestration unit when receiving a CDN application request; the orchestration unit performs service orchestration in combination with related information of the SDN, sends a reservation request to a control unit to obtain a required resource, and then determines content distribution and content delivery paths in combination with network load balancing and routing condition; an L2 and L3 forwarding table is created and transmitted to a data forwarding unit according to related forwarding policy of an SDN control plane; and the application unit executes a related operation according to a content distribution or media access request, and the data forwarding unit forwards data.