SDN Classification Configuration Module for Dynamic Service Chaining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing approaches for Dynamic Service Chaining in Software Defined Networks (SDNs) are limited in flexibility and efficiency, particularly in managing classification configurations for traffic, as they rely heavily on manual configuration, proprietary PCEF rules, and lack a centralized mechanism for handling OTT classification rules across multiple vendors and networks.

Innovation Solution

A classification configuration module that receives classification configurations from service-related modules, determines traffic filters, and transmits them to the software defined network controlling module, acting as a central repository for dynamic and static network-wide classification configurations, thereby reducing misalignments and enhancing flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration and proprietary PCEF rules are used for classification, then implementation is straightforward, but flexibility and adaptability across multiple vendors and networks are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in managing classification configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of centralized classification management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The classification configuration module is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple types of classification configurations (OTT rules, PCEF rules, static configurations) from different vendors and networks through a single standardized interface, eliminating the need for separate management systems for each configuration type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The module acts as an intermediary between various classification configuration sources (OTT providers, network elements) and the SDN controller, converting and harmonizing different configuration formats into a unified representation that the SDN controller can process consistently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If centralized management of classification configurations is implemented, then misalignments are reduced and flexibility is enhanced, but computational expense and implementation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of classification configurationsVSAvoidcomputational expense for processing classifications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The module performs preliminary processing of classification configurations by validating, converting, and normalizing them before they reach the SDN controller, filtering out unnecessary computational processing requirements and preparing configurations in advance for efficient execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of configuration data by transforming it from various proprietary formats into a standardized internal representation, optimizing the parameters of configuration storage and processing to reduce computational overhead while maintaining consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If Deep Packet Inspection is used for traffic classification, then accurate service identification is achieved, but processing time and computational resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of traffic classificationVSAvoidprocessing time for traffic analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing complete Deep Packet Inspection on all traffic, the system uses partial inspection techniques that extract only the necessary classification information (5-tuples, service identifiers) from packet headers and metadata, achieving sufficient accuracy without the full computational cost of DPI

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11985070B2Method and module for managing classification configuration for traffic in software defined network

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method and a classification configuration module for managing a classification configuration for traffic, related to a service, in a software defined network are disclosed. The classification configuration module receives the classification configuration from a service related module. The classification configuration includes a first indication indicating a traffic treatment for the traffic, and a second indication identifying the traffic to be treated according to the first indication for traffic treatment. The classification configuration module determines, based on the classification configuration, a set of traffic filters for use by a software defined network controlling module to determine a list of service functions implementing the traffic treatment for the traffic. The classification configuration module transmits information relating to the set of traffic filters to the software defined network controlling module.