Programmable Buffer Configuration via SDN CDPI Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices require on-site replacement or reprogramming to update traffic handling policies for packet buffering, which is inefficient and limits dynamic adaptation to changing traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Software Defined Network (SDN) instructions to dynamically configure buffers in network devices through a Control-to-Data-Plane Interface (CDPI) agent, allowing for the creation, reconfiguration, and management of buffers according to specific traffic handling policies without the need for physical replacement, by transitioning buffers through various operational states and associating virtual ports with physical ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional packet buffers are used in network devices, then packets can be stored and forwarded, but the buffers cannot be dynamically reconfigured without on-site replacement or reprogramming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer configuration by introducing a state machine that allows buffers to transition between different operational states (empty, storing, serving, full) based on traffic conditions. The buffer size, threshold values, and operational mode can be dynamically adjusted through SDN controller instructions without requiring physical device replacement or on-site reprogramming, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary between the network device and the buffer management system. The controller receives buffer status notifications from the network device, determines appropriate configuration changes, and sends reconfiguration instructions back to the device. This intermediary enables remote dynamic reconfiguration of buffers, eliminating the need for on-site servicing while maintaining full buffer adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed buffer configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to changing traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex buffer management and decision-making logic from the network device itself and places it in the SDN controller. The network device only needs to implement simple state monitoring and status notification, while the controller handles the complex tasks of analyzing traffic conditions, determining optimal buffer configurations, and managing state transitions. This extraction enables traffic adaptation without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network device continuously monitors buffer status and sends notifications to the SDN controller. The controller uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust buffer configurations, thresholds, and operational parameters. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adaptation to changing traffic conditions while keeping the device logic relatively simple, as the complex decision-making is centralized in the controller.
3Reliability
If on-site replacement or reprogramming is required for buffer updates, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical process of on-site device replacement or manual reprogramming with an electronic/software-based SDN control system. Buffer configurations are updated remotely through digital instructions sent from the SDN controller to the network device, eliminating the need for physical intervention. This substitution maintains configuration accuracy through controlled instruction transmission while dramatically reducing the time required for reconfiguration from hours or days to seconds or milliseconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the SDN controller pre-calculate and prepare optimal buffer configurations based on predicted traffic patterns or pre-defined policies. When traffic conditions change or reconfiguration is needed, the controller can immediately apply pre-prepared configuration instructions to the network device. This preliminary preparation ensures configuration accuracy is maintained while minimizing the actual reconfiguration time, as no complex on-site calculations or manual procedures are needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for dynamically configuring buffers in network devices by sending software defined network (SDN) instructions to a Control-to-Data-Plane Interface (CDPI) agents on the network devices. An SDN instruction may instruct a CDPI agent to configure a buffer in a network device to store a specific type of traffic flow in accordance with a traffic handling policy. In some embodiments, the SDN instruction instructs the CDPI Agent to directly configure a buffer by, for example, associating a virtual port with a new/existing buffer, binding a virtual port associated with the buffer to a switch, and/or installing a flow control rule in a flow table of the switch. In other embodiments, the SDN instruction may instruct the CDPI agent to reconfigure the buffer by transitioning the buffer to a different state.