Cellular Network Monitoring via SDN Attribute Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring and troubleshooting cellular networks are challenging due to the complexity of communication interface protocols and the division of processing functions across multiple nodes, with cellular attributes not explicitly present in packets, requiring customized monitoring systems for different network types.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software-defined switch (SDS) system with a controller that maps cellular attributes to forwarding attributes, allowing for selective packet copying and forwarding rule downloads to manage and monitor cellular networks, including both control and transport planes, and maintaining databases to correlate IP addresses with cellular attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If generic packet switching networks use SDN with generic switches, then network control sophistication and monitoring capability improve, but cellular network monitoring fails because cellular attributes are not explicitly present in packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mapping mechanism that translates cellular network attributes (which are not explicitly present in packets) into forwarding attributes (which are visible in packets). The SDN controller maintains a mapping table that correlates cellular attributes with packet header fields, enabling monitoring systems to detect cellular attributes indirectly through the intermediary of forwarding attributes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional approach of directly inspecting cellular attributes in packets with a software-based mapping and translation system. Instead of mechanically searching for cellular attributes in packet structures, the system uses software-defined networking controllers to map cellular attributes to packet forwarding attributes, substituting direct detection with indirect translation.
2Reliability
If cellular networks use traditional monitoring systems, then monitoring can be implemented, but the system complexity increases due to customized monitoring systems required for different network types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal SDN-based monitoring framework that can handle different cellular network types (GSM, UMTS, LTE) through a common architecture. The SDN controller provides a unified interface and common mapping mechanisms that work across multiple network types, eliminating the need for separate customized monitoring systems for each network type while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cellular networks implement SDN with separation of control and transport planes, then network management flexibility improves, but packet forwarding complexity increases due to mapping between cellular and forwarding attributes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing mapping tables that correlate cellular attributes with forwarding attributes before packet forwarding occurs. The SDN controller pre-configures the transport plane with mapping relationships, so that when packets need to be forwarded based on cellular attributes, the translation has already been prepared, reducing real-time forwarding complexity while maintaining management flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for operating a cellular network is disclosed. The system includes a cellular network, a transport plane software defined switch (SDS), and a controller. The transport plane SDS is inserted in the transport plane and forwards user data packets between nodes of the cellular network based on forwarding attributes of the data packets. The controller includes a control plane database that stores a correspondence between the forwarding attributes and the cellular attributes of the plurality of nodes. The controller is configured to receive user input specifying a forwarding change in the transport plane SDS in terms of one of the cellular attributes. The controller uses the control plane database to determine a forwarding attribute corresponding to the one of the cellular attributes and downloads a forwarding rule to the transport plane SDS.