SDN Controller Connectivity Diagnosis via Hybrid Network Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional network diagnostic tools are inadequate for diagnosing connectivity issues in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) networks, as they assume a network constructed and run by interconnected distributed devices, which is not the case in SDN networks, leading to challenges, errors, and unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A method for diagnosing connectivity in hybrid networks comprising SDN and other network components, involving obtaining information from the network, querying the SDN controller for network metrics, and creating a fault report to alert administrators to connectivity issues, enhancing network performance and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network diagnostic tools are used in SDN networks, then the diagnostic process can be performed, but the results are unreliable and error-prone due to fundamental assumption mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of network diagnosis by shifting from distributed device-based assumptions to controller-centric SDN architecture. The system queries the SDN controller for topology information, flow table data, and packet forwarding decisions, fundamentally altering how diagnostic parameters are collected and interpreted in SDN networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller serves as an intermediary between the diagnostic system and network components. Instead of directly querying distributed devices, the diagnostic system communicates through the controller, which aggregates and processes network state information, enabling reliable diagnostics while abstracting the complexity of the underlying network architecture.
2Measurement precision
If traditional diagnostic tools are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect assumptions about network construction
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller performs self-service by providing diagnostic information about its own state, including topology details, flow table contents, and packet forwarding decisions. This self-provisioning of diagnostic data eliminates the need for complex external measurement tools while maintaining high measurement precision through direct controller queries.
3Reliability
If a comprehensive diagnostic system is built for SDN networks, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller is designed to serve multiple functions: it manages network traffic forwarding, maintains topology information, stores flow table data, and provides diagnostic capabilities. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate diagnostic hardware or software components, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Diagnosing connectivity in a network includes obtaining information from a network wherein the network is a hybrid network including software-defined networking (SDN) network components and other network components, querying a SDN controller for network metrics of the network, and diagnosing a connectivity issue in the network based on the information from the network and the network metrics.