SDN Controller Coordination for Partitioned Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current software defined networking techniques struggle to manage partitioned wireless networks effectively, where only the primary component continues to operate, and other partitions cannot reconfigure or update until they reconnect, leading to suboptimal network performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allows controllers in all partitions of a software defined wireless network to function independently by synchronizing data using message sequencing information, enabling each partition to operate with synchronized data and maintain network functionality even when disconnected from the primary component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a central controller is used in software defined networking, then network control and management is simplified, but the system cannot operate when the network is partitioned into disconnected subnetworks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork controlVSAvoidpartition operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the network into multiple autonomous partitions, each with its own controller that can operate independently. When partitions are disconnected, each partition's controller continues to manage its local segment without requiring communication with other partitions, thus resolving the contradiction between centralized control simplicity and partition operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If one partition is designated as primary and others as secondary, then a clear hierarchy is established, but non-primary partitions cannot reconfigure or update network devices until reconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller hierarchyVSAvoidnetwork reconfiguration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables controllers in non-primary partitions to dynamically reconfigure and update network devices within their partitions even when disconnected from the primary controller. This dynamic capability allows each partition to adapt to changing conditions independently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining a stable hierarchical structure and enabling continuous productivity in partitioned conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If controllers in non-primary partitions are restricted from changing, then data consistency is maintained, but the network cannot reflect the current state of partitioned networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidnetwork state reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows each partition's controller to maintain data consistency within its local partition while independently reflecting the current state of that partition. Each controller has the authority to update network devices locally to match the actual partitioned network state, resolving the contradiction between maintaining data consistency and adapting to partitioned conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3393092B1Controller coordination system for software defined networking in a wireless network with partitions
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3393092B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3393092B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3393092B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method and apparatus for a software defined wireless network (100). The software defined wireless network (100) comprises a plurality of wireless devices (102) and a plurality of controllers (104). The plurality of wireless devices (102) is configured to be separated into functioning partitions (110) in the software defined wireless network (100). The plurality of controllers (104) is located on the plurality of wireless devices (102). Controllers (104) in the plurality of controllers (104) in a functioning partition (112) in the functioning partitions (110) are configured to perform operations (116) in the functioning partition (112) with data (114) synchronized using message sequencing information (118) in the functioning partition (112).