SDN Controller Cross-Operator Resource Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing SDN networks lack a unified technical specification, preventing resource and information sharing between different operators, which limits users' ability to utilize resources from other networks, leading to inefficient resource allocation and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for SDN controllers to facilitate resource requests and sharing between operators through a new interface, allowing SDN controllers to obtain network state information and enable users to access resources from other operators, including resource requests, billing, and resource release processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If each operator builds its own SDN network independently, then operator-specific network control and customization are achieved, but resource sharing and information exchange between operators are prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator-specific network controlVSAvoidnetwork state information sharing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary component that mediates between different operator networks. The controller receives resource requests from UEs, communicates with multiple operator SDN networks, and manages the information exchange process, enabling cross-operator resource sharing while maintaining operator-specific control through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The SDN controller is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle diverse operator network requirements. It can simultaneously manage resource requests from multiple operators, support different network states (congested, idle, free of charge), and provide unified control functions across heterogeneous networks through standardized protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If SDN networks operate in isolation without unified specifications, then implementation flexibility and deployment speed are improved, but resource allocation efficiency and user experience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the SDN architecture into distinct functional components: operator-specific network segments that maintain independence and deployment flexibility, and a unified SDN controller segment that provides cross-operator resource coordination. This segmentation allows rapid deployment of individual networks while enabling efficient resource allocation through the coordinating controller

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The SDN controller acts as a mediator that translates between different operator network states and resource requirements. It receives resource requests, determines appropriate network states for allocation, and coordinates resource sharing without requiring unified technical specifications across all operators, thus maintaining deployment flexibility while improving resource allocation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If cross-operator resource sharing is enabled, then resource utilization and user experience are improved, but system complexity and negotiation overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork state information accessVSAvoidcontroller coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The SDN controller serves as a centralized intermediary that simplifies cross-operator resource sharing by consolidating negotiation functions. Instead of requiring direct peer-to-peer negotiation between multiple operators (which would increase complexity), the single controller mediates all resource requests, manages information exchange, and coordinates allocations, thereby reducing system complexity while enabling comprehensive resource sharing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The SDN controller implements self-service capabilities by automatically determining network states, evaluating resource availability, and making allocation decisions without requiring manual intervention or complex multi-operator negotiations. The controller autonomously manages the resource sharing process, reducing coordination overhead while enabling efficient cross-operator resource utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10805838B2Method and device for obtaining resources and information of SDN networks of different operators

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for obtaining information and resources of SDN networks of different operators and a corresponding device. The method includes UE of the first operator transmits a resource request to an SDN controller of the first operator. Afterwards, the SDN controller of the first operator transmits a resource request to an SDN controller of the second operator via an interface newly introduced by the present invention, obtains information of the SDN network of the second operator and utilizes resources of the SDN network of the second operator based on the information. The present invention also discloses a device capable of implementing the above method.