SDN Controller Cross-Domain Link Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SDN technologies cannot automatically discover cross-SDN-domain links between SDN domains controlled by different SDN controllers, limiting network management and optimization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method for SDN controllers to send inquiry messages with identifier packets to detect cross-SDN-domain links by parsing and forwarding encapsulation messages, allowing the identification of links between SDN sub-controllers and determining the existence of cross-domain connections based on identifier and link attribute information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SDN controllers use traditional link discovery methods within their own domains, then intra-domain link discovery is achieved, but cross-SDN-domain link discovery capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SDN control architecture into hierarchical levels (domain-level SDN controllers and sub-domain controllers). Each controller manages link discovery within its own domain, while the hierarchical structure enables cross-domain link information aggregation, allowing both intra-domain and cross-domain link discovery capabilities to coexist
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where domain-level SDN controllers act as mediators between sub-domain controllers and the central controller. These intermediaries collect link information from their respective domains and forward relevant cross-domain link information upward, enabling the central controller to maintain a comprehensive view of cross-SDN-domain links without each controller needing direct access to all domains
2Productivity
If SDN controllers maintain centralized control within their domains, then domain management efficiency is improved, but cross-domain network visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented into hierarchical levels where sub-domain controllers handle local management tasks efficiently, while domain-level controllers and the central controller aggregate information for cross-domain visibility. This segmentation maintains centralized control benefits at each level while enabling global network visibility through the hierarchical information aggregation path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a hierarchical dimension to the control architecture, transforming a flat single-level control structure into a multi-level hierarchy. This dimensional change allows controllers to operate efficiently within their own domains (maintaining productivity) while simultaneously contributing to and receiving cross-domain network topology information through the hierarchical levels (gaining network visibility)
3Extent of automation
If automatic link discovery is implemented within single SDN domains, then automated topology discovery is achieved, but cross-SDN-domain link detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Automatic link discovery is segmented and distributed across hierarchical controller levels. Sub-domain controllers perform automatic discovery within their local domains, domain-level controllers aggregate results from multiple sub-domains, and the central controller performs cross-domain link detection by analyzing aggregated information. This segmentation maintains high automation extent while making cross-domain link detection feasible through distributed automated discovery processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges individual automatic link discovery results from multiple sub-domains at domain-level and central controllers. By combining the automated discovery capabilities across hierarchical levels and integrating the discovered link information, the system achieves cross-SDN-domain link detection that leverages the automated discovery performance of individual domains while extending it to the cross-domain level
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a link discovery method, an SDN controller and a device, where the link discovery method includes: receiving, by a first software defined networking SDN controller, an inquiry message sent by a first device administrated by the first SDN controller, where the inquiry message is used for inquiring about port information of a port forwarding an identifier packet received by the first device, and in which the identifier packet carrying an identifier of a second SDN controller is encapsulated; parsing the identifier packet; and when it is determined that the identifier packet does not carry an identifier of the first SDN controller, sending, to a link in communication with the first SDN controller, an encapsulation message that is determined according to the inquiry message and in which the identifier packet is encapsulated. A problem in the prior art that sending of a cross-SDN-domain link cannot be implemented is resolved. The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies.