SDN Control Entity for Quantum Key Distribution Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software-defined networking (SDN) technologies lack a concrete scheme for control actions associated with quantum key distribution network (QKDN) management, hindering efficient management and operation in quantum key distribution networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for SDN control in QKDN management, involving a first control entity that receives control action information, determines the target of the action, classifies it into routing, rerouting, provisioning, protection, recovery, or charging actions, and transmits necessary information for performing these actions, utilizing a centralized control model with separation of control and forward planes and an open interface for applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized control model with separation of control and forward planes is implemented, then the management efficiency and operability of QKDN are improved, but the device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the QKDN control system into multiple control entities, each responsible for specific control actions (routing, provisioning, protection, charging). This segmentation allows distributed implementation of the centralized control model, reducing the complexity burden on a single controller while maintaining centralized management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control entities as intermediary components between the SDN controller and network elements. These control entities translate high-level management commands into specific control actions, acting as mediators that simplify the interface between management systems and network infrastructure, thereby improving operability while managing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control entities are deployed to handle different control actions, then the system scalability and functionality are improved, but the coordination overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs control entities with universal interfaces and standardized protocols that allow them to perform multiple control actions (routing, provisioning, protection, charging). This multi-functionality approach enables a single control entity to handle diverse control tasks, reducing the number of specialized components needed while maintaining system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where control entities report status and performance information back to the SDN controller and each other. This feedback enables automatic coordination and conflict resolution among multiple control entities, reducing manual coordination overhead while maintaining system complexity through structured communication protocols.
3Measurement precision
If detailed classification of control actions is implemented, then the precision of control management is improved, but the processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines control action categories (routing, provisioning, protection, charging) with standardized criteria and decision rules. This preliminary classification framework allows control entities to quickly categorize incoming control actions without performing complex real-time analysis, reducing processing time while maintaining classification precision through pre-established classification logic.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for control action based on software-defined networking associated with quantum key distribution network (QKDN) management in a quantum key distribution network. A method for performing a control action associated with QKDN management in a QKDN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: receiving, by a first control entity, control action information from a QKDN manager; determining, by the first control entity, a target of the control action based on the control action information; classifying, by the first control entity, the control action sequentially as one of a routing or rerouting-related control action, a provisioning-related control action, a protection or recovery-related control action, and a charge-related control action based on the target of the control action; and transmitting, by the first control entity, information for performing the control action for a target associated with the classified control action.