SDN Controller Logical Switch Remote Domain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networking technologies, such as those described in MEF 43 and TR-069, limit Service Providers' ability to configure and manage network services across domains, especially for remote customers, due to equipment limitations and the need for manual intervention, resulting in inflexible service offerings and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller that establishes a control channel with a logical switch in a remote domain, enabling finer-grained control over forwarding tables and packet processing, allowing Service Providers to offer advanced services without relying on Access Providers for equipment modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional equipment hosted by Access Provider is used, then service provider can reach remote customers, but service flexibility and configurability are limited by equipment capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
A logical switch is introduced as an intermediary component deployed at the access provider's network edge, which acts as a mediator between the service provider's control plane and the remote customer equipment. This logical switch extends the service provider's control capabilities to remote domains without requiring modification of existing access provider equipment, thereby resolving the contradiction between service flexibility and equipment constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The control plane is segmented and extended to remote domains through the logical switch, which separates the service provisioning control functions from the physical equipment location. This allows the service provider to maintain centralized control while deploying service enforcement points at remote locations, overcoming the limitation of conventional equipment-hosting models.
2Ease of operation
If remote management interface is used to configure equipment, then some aspects of equipment behavior can be configured, but only predefined options are available and significant changes require contacting access provider
Solution Approach 1:
The logical switch serves as an intermediary that the service provider can directly control through SDN protocols, eliminating the need to contact the access provider for equipment configuration changes. This intermediary enables the service provider to independently provision and modify services, reducing both operational complexity and provisioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, predefined equipment configurations to dynamic, programmable service provisioning. The logical switch enables real-time configuration changes through software-based control, allowing services to be dynamically adjusted without physical equipment changes or access provider intervention, thereby reducing service provisioning time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access provider equipment is used, then remote customer services can be delivered, but service offerings cannot be easily changed without involving access provider
Solution Approach 1:
The logical switch acts as an automated intermediary deployed at the access provider's edge that the service provider can directly control. This enables the service provider to automatically provision, configure, and modify services in remote domains without manual involvement from the access provider, thereby increasing both service flexibility and provisioning automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The service provider is empowered to self-provision and self-configure services in remote domains through direct control of the logical switch via SDN protocols. This self-service capability eliminates the need for access provider involvement in service changes, increasing automation while maintaining service flexibility.
4Productivity
If conventional management approaches are used, then inter-provider negotiation is required for service changes, but this adds cost and complexity to operations
Solution Approach 1:
The logical switch serves as a standardized intermediary with well-defined SDN control interfaces, replacing complex inter-provider negotiation processes. The standardized control plane-to-data plane communication protocols enable automated service provisioning without manual coordination, thereby improving operational efficiency while reducing coordination complexity through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller is described associated with a local domain and configured to control remote services in a remote domain. The SDN controller includes a network interface communicatively coupled to the remote domain; a processor communicatively coupled to the network interface; and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to, subsequent to instantiation of a logical switch in a device in the remote domain, establish a control channel with the logical switch, wherein the control channel flows over the local domain and the remote domain, and control the logical switch in the remote domain via the control channel.