SDN Controller Data Flow Distribution via Local Gateways
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing data routing methods in EPS/GPRS networks, particularly with the OpenFlow protocol and SDN technology, face inefficiencies due to the high position of the PGW, leading to serious data circuity and bandwidth waste, as well as limitations in finer-granularity data flow distribution, especially for terminals supporting multiple IP addresses.
Innovation Solution
A data flow distribution method and controller that utilize an SDN controller to acquire data flow characteristics, generate distribution rules, and deliver these rules to distribution gateways, enabling direct data flow distribution from a distribution network to the external network, employing Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) for detection and address translation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is routed through the PGW at a high position in the network architecture, then centralized control and management are achieved, but serious data circuity and bandwidth waste occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture by introducing distribution gateways at lower network positions to handle specific data flows locally, while the PGW maintains centralized control for overall management. This segmentation allows data to be routed through the nearest distribution gateway rather than all traffic going through the high-position PGW, reducing data circuity and bandwidth waste while preserving centralized control capabilities.
2Productivity
If distribution is implemented based on PDN connection granularity, then routing efficiency is improved, but terminals supporting multiple IP addresses cannot achieve simultaneous distributed and non-distributed application operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different quality characteristics for different applications on the same terminal. Specifically, it allows certain applications to use distributed routing through local distribution gateways while other applications continue to use centralized routing through the PGW, based on individual application requirements. This is achieved through application-aware routing mechanisms that can selectively apply distribution policies to different data flows from the same terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic routing capabilities that allow the network to adaptively switch between distributed and centralized routing modes for different applications. The system dynamically determines the optimal routing path for each application based on real-time network conditions, application requirements, and terminal capabilities, enabling flexible simultaneous operation of both distributed and non-distributed applications on multi-IP terminals.
3Loss of energy
If the PGW position is lowered to reduce data circuity, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but network control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces distribution gateways as intermediary elements between the high-position PGW and end terminals. These intermediaries handle local routing decisions and data flow management, reducing the burden on the PGW while maintaining centralized control capabilities. The distribution gateways act as mediators that can independently manage local traffic, thereby improving bandwidth efficiency without significantly increasing overall network control complexity, as the PGW retains policy control and management functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a data flow distribution method and a controller. The method includes: a software defined network (SDN) controller acquiring data flow description information of a data flow; and the SDN controller deciding, according to the data flow description information, whether the data flow needs distribution, and when the data flow needs the distribution, delivering a distribution rule flow table to a distribution gateway. By using the technical solutions, application/service data flow based distribution is implemented. Compared with the related art that distribution is implemented based on a PDN connection and based on a bearer, the technical solutions implement finer-granularity distribution, and improve experience of users and competition of operators.