SDN Controller Segmentation for MPLS Packet Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional routers and switches are expensive and inflexible, lacking the ability for network providers to customize devices or deploy lighter-weight solutions with unique services, due to their vertically integrated nature.
Innovation Solution
A network architecture utilizing software-defined networking (SDN) controllers to manage and control forwarding switches, which analyze interconnections to determine label switched paths and transmit next hop routes, allowing packets to be routed using the multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) protocol, reducing the complexity and cost of forwarding switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vertically integrated router/switch devices are used, then excellent functionality is provided, but the devices are very expensive and lack customization capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional vertically integrated router/switch into two independent components: forwarding devices that handle packet forwarding operations, and a network controller that performs routing computations and decision-making. This separation allows the forwarding devices to be simpler, cheaper hardware while the intelligence is concentrated in the controller, enabling customization without requiring complex integrated devices at each node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control plane functionality (routing decisions, path computation) from the forwarding plane (packet switching operations). By taking out the complex routing logic from individual switches and concentrating it in a centralized network controller, the forwarding devices can be deployed as lighter-weight, more customizable units while maintaining full routing capability through the controller.
2Productivity
If conventional routing decisions are made at each switch, then routing functionality is provided, but hardware and software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized network controller as an intermediary between the source and destination networks. This controller computes optimal paths using global network state information and distributes routing instructions to forwarding devices. The forwarding devices then efficiently execute packet forwarding based on these instructions, achieving high routing productivity without requiring complex routing logic at each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The forwarding devices are designed to self-configure based on instructions from the network controller. Rather than requiring complex autonomous routing capabilities at each device, the controller provides the routing information and the forwarding devices automatically apply it, reducing their individual complexity while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for control of a plurality of forwarding switches using a network controller. The network controller executes a routing configuration application that analyzes interconnections between the forwarding switches to identify a topology of the network, determine label switched paths (LSPs) between the forwarding switches, and transmits the next hop routes to the forwarding switches. The forwarding switches use the next hop routes to route packets through the network according to a multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) protocol. Each LSP includes one or more next hop routes defining a forwarding address associated with one forwarding switch to an adjacent forwarding switch.