SDN Controller Multicast Traffic Hybrid Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid computer networks with both Software Defined Networking (SDN) and non-SDN domains face challenges in managing multicast traffic efficiently, as existing technologies lack effective methods for load-balancing, congestion avoidance, and failure recovery across multiple paths, leading to increased resource utilization and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An SDN controller is used to monitor and configure multicast paths end-to-end, including those in non-SDN domains, by learning the network topology and dynamically adjusting paths to alleviate congestion, failures, and unnecessary traffic duplication, with minimal changes required to existing technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple paths are provided between nodes for multicast traffic, then network reliability is improved, but resource utilization increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized SDN controller as an intermediary between end hosts and network routers. The controller learns network topology, computes optimal multicast distribution trees, and configures routers accordingly. This mediator handles the complexity of multipath management centrally, allowing multiple paths to be utilized for reliability while the controller optimizes resource usage and manages the complexity that would otherwise be distributed across numerous routers and end hosts.
2Ease of manufacture
If SDN is deployed gradually in hybrid networks, then deployment cost is reduced, but traffic management capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller implements a universal traffic management system that can handle both SDN-capable routers and traditional IP routers through a unified interface. The controller learns topology from both domains, computes multicast distribution trees that span hybrid networks, and configures routers appropriately. This multi-functional approach enables advanced traffic management capabilities across the entire hybrid network while maintaining compatibility with existing non-SDN infrastructure, thus preserving adaptability during gradual deployment.
3Ease of operation
If traditional IGP is used for network configuration, then implementation is simple, but flexible network configuration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions into two parts: the control plane (topology learning, path computation, configuration generation) is centralized in the SDN controller, while the data plane (actual packet forwarding) remains distributed in routers using simple IGP protocols. This segmentation allows the complex flexible configuration tasks to be performed centrally by the controller using protocols like OSPF or PIM, while individual routers continue to operate with simple forwarding logic, thus maintaining implementation simplicity at the router level while achieving flexible network-wide configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller controls multicast traffic in an SDN domain and one or more non-SDN domains imbedded in the SDN domain.