SDN Controller Network Slicing Traffic Rerouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in dynamically adapting to changes and efficiently managing resources, leading to delayed service instantiation and poor response to network demand fluctuations, as they often require labor-intensive configurations and are limited by integrated control and data planes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Software Defined Network (SDN) controller that separates control and user planes, enabling network slicing and dynamic resource provisioning across multiple domains, allowing for the rerouting of user plane traffic and instantiation of new network slices to manage traffic congestion and resource availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional integrated control and data planes are used in communication networks, then network stability and simplicity are maintained, but network flexibility and responsiveness to demand fluctuations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional integrated network plane into separate control plane and data plane components. The control plane handles signaling and management functions, while the data plane handles user traffic forwarding. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each plane, allowing the network to be more flexible and responsive to changes without compromising overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Service Chain Manager (SCM) as an intermediary component that coordinates between the control plane and data plane. The SCM manages service chaining operations, dynamically configuring how traffic flows through different network functions based on service requirements and network conditions, thereby enabling flexible adaptation without direct complex interactions between control and data planes.
2Productivity
If labor-intensive configurations are used for network service setup, then service reliability is ensured through careful configuration, but service instantiation speed and responsiveness to network demand deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements service templates that pre-define common service chain configurations. When a service is requested, the SCM can quickly instantiate pre-configured service chains from these templates, dramatically reducing service setup time. The templates contain validated configurations that ensure reliability while enabling rapid deployment through automated instantiation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables automated service chain configuration through the SCM, which dynamically selects and configures appropriate service functions based on service requirements and current network conditions. The system automatically manages service instantiation, configuration, and teardown without requiring manual labor-intensive configuration, while maintaining reliability through automated validation and orchestration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If static network resource allocation is used, then network simplicity and predictability are maintained, but network responsiveness to traffic congestion and resource availability changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service chain configuration that adapts to changing network conditions. The SCM continuously monitors network state, traffic patterns, and resource availability, and dynamically reconfigures service chains to optimize performance. This allows the network to respond to traffic congestion and resource availability changes in real-time, transitioning from static to dynamic resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the SCM receives information about network conditions, service performance, and resource utilization. Based on this feedback, the SCM dynamically adjusts service chain configurations, selecting alternative paths and functions to maintain optimal performance. This closed-loop control enables the network to adapt to changing conditions while managing complexity through centralized orchestration.
4Productivity
If manual network configuration and management are used, then configuration accuracy and control are maintained, but operational efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated service chain management through the SCM, which autonomously handles service instantiation, configuration, and resource allocation. The system automatically interprets service requirements, selects appropriate service functions, configures traffic routing, and manages resource allocation without manual intervention. This automation dramatically improves operational efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through standardized interfaces and templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated software-based orchestration. The SCM uses software to dynamically configure network elements, program routing tables, and manage service chains, substituting the manual mechanical process of configuration with automated electronic control. This substitution improves operational efficiency while maintaining precision through software-based configuration management.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method including receiving from a first network slice comprising a first set of virtual network functions instantiated in a network, a first request to chain the first network slice to a second network slice comprising a second set of virtual network functions instantiated in the network to cooperatively facilitate providing a service to a first communication device, transmitting a second request to the first network slice to route a portion of user plane communication traffic associated with the first communication device to the second network slice, and transmitting a third request to the second network slice to receive the portion of the user plane communication traffic associated with the first communication device from the first network slice and to cooperatively facilitate providing a service to the first communication device via the first network slice and the second network slice. Other embodiments are disclosed.