SDN Network Element Configuration via Dynamic Program Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software-defined networking (SDN) configurations face complexity due to the need for pre-determined actions in OpenFlow specifications, limiting the flexibility of network elements in managing data frames and performing tasks such as forwarding, modifying, or specifying qualities like logical grouping and access control.
Innovation Solution
A method and network element design that allows receiving and associating configuration programs with look-up tables, enabling the execution of customizable actions for managing data frames, thereby increasing flexibility beyond pre-determined protocols like OpenFlow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-determined actions from OpenFlow specification are used for configuring network elements, then the configuration process is simplified and standardized, but the flexibility and versatility of network elements in managing data frames are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic configuration of network elements by allowing configuration programs to be loaded and executed at runtime. Instead of static pre-determined actions, the system can dynamically add, modify, or remove actions based on changing network requirements, making the network elements adaptable while maintaining ease of configuration through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of configuration from fixed pre-determined actions to executable configuration programs. This parameter change allows the same network element to perform different functions by loading different programs, thereby increasing versatility without sacrificing the simplicity of centralized configuration management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration programs are associated with look-up tables for customizable actions, then the versatility of network element actions is improved, but the complexity of the network element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network element into distinct functional modules: a look-up table for storing configuration programs, an execution unit for running the programs, and a data frame management unit. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high versatility through programmability while keeping each module's complexity manageable and well-defined.
Solution Approach 2:
The look-up table acts as an intermediary between the centralized controller and the execution unit. It stores configuration programs received from the controller and provides them to the execution unit, thereby decoupling the complexity of program storage and management from the execution logic and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If pre-defined protocols like OpenFlow are used for SDN configuration, then the network element can operate with standardized procedures, but the ability to perform custom tasks and specify qualities like logical grouping and access control is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the network element universal by enabling it to execute multiple types of actions through configuration programs. The same hardware platform can perform standardized OpenFlow actions as well as custom tasks related to logical grouping, access control, and other specialized functions, thereby achieving multi-functionality without sacrificing standardized operation for common tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a network element of a software-defined network “SDN” is presented. The network element maintains at least one look-up table defining actions to be executed in conjunction with managing a first data frame. The method comprises i) receiving (301) second data frames from a controller of the software-defined network, ii) reading (302), from the second data frames, a configuration program comprising one or more computer executable instructions defining at least one action to be executed in conjunction with managing the first data frame, and iii) associating (303) the configuration program to the at least one look-up table so that the configuration program is callable to be executed in conjunction with managing the first data frame with the aid of the at least one look-up table. The use of the configuration program instead of mere configuration parameters increases the freedom to implement different functionalities in the network element.