Network Controller for Hybrid SDN-Ethernet Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network control systems face challenges in efficiently managing network resources and optimizing Quality of Service (QoS) due to limitations in routing flexibility and congestion management, particularly in hybrid SDN-Ethernet systems where SDN switches may not support Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), leading to network congestion and inefficient load balancing.
Innovation Solution
A network controlling method and controller that utilize a hybrid SDN-Ethernet system with a network controller that obtains multiple optional paths based on default spanning trees, allowing dynamic selection of paths to manage congestion and achieve load balance by configuring VLAN IDs and rerouting packets through optional paths, even if SDN switches do not support MSTP, thereby preventing network congestion and flooding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If SDN switches do not support Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP), then network configuration is simplified, but network congestion and inefficient load balancing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary between the SDN switches and the network traffic. The controller calculates multiple optional paths using modified spanning tree algorithms and dynamically directs traffic through these paths, compensating for the SDN switches' lack of native MSTP support. This mediator approach maintains routing flexibility and load balancing capability while keeping the SDN switches themselves simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic path selection by calculating multiple optional spanning trees and dynamically choosing among them based on current network conditions. The network controller can adjust traffic distribution in real-time across different paths, enabling adaptive load balancing despite the static nature of individual SDN switch configurations.
2Ease of operation
If a single default spanning tree is used in hybrid SDN-Ethernet systems, then network management is simplified, but network congestion occurs due to lack of alternative paths
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller pre-calculates multiple optional spanning trees and stores them as alternative paths before congestion occurs. When congestion is detected on the default path, the controller can immediately switch to a pre-computed alternative path, providing rapid congestion avoidance without requiring complex real-time calculations during traffic bursts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameter from a single fixed spanning tree to multiple configurable spanning trees with different topological characteristics. By adjusting which spanning tree is active based on traffic patterns and congestion levels, the system can optimize network flow distribution while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized control.
3Productivity
If dynamic path selection is implemented, then load balancing and congestion avoidance are improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: calculating spanning trees, monitoring network congestion, selecting optimal paths, and dynamically routing traffic. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single controller rather than distributing it across multiple switches, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining sophisticated load balancing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A network controlling method and a network controller are provided. The network controlling method includes the following steps. A hybrid SDN-Ethernet system including a plurality of hosts, a plurality of Ethernet switches and m Software-defined networking switches (SDN switches) is provided. m is larger than or equal to 1. A first path according to at least one default spanning tree in the hybrid SDN-Ethernet system is obtained. m×k optional paths are obtained. Each of the m SDN switches is set as a beginning of each of k of the m×k optional paths. A second path is selected according to the m×k optional paths and the first path of the at least one default spanning tree.