SDN Controller Nomadic Service Instantiation in Virtual RG
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in accessing subscribed services, such as high-definition TV and OTT services, when they are not at home, as existing technologies do not effectively support nomadic service provision through a virtual residential gateway, leading to inconsistent user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that involves sending a nomadic service request to an AAA server, instantiating or selecting a service module in a virtual Residential Gateway (vRG) platform using a Software Defined Network (SDN) controller, and configuring a network delivery path based on the service module's position, allowing users to access subscribed services from any location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service modules are distributed across multiple residential gateways, then service availability for nomadic users is improved, but system complexity and resource allocation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary between nomadic users and distributed service modules in residential gateways. It centralizes the logic for service module selection, instantiation, and path configuration, thereby maintaining service availability across multiple locations while avoiding the complexity that would arise from direct distributed management. The controller receives service requests, determines optimal service module locations, and orchestrates resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller provides universal management capabilities for nomadic services across the entire network. It handles multiple functions including authentication coordination, service module selection, instantiation, and path configuration through a single centralized entity, enabling the system to serve nomadic users at any location without requiring each residential gateway to independently manage all service delivery aspects.
2Reliability
If service modules are instantiated in virtual residential gateways, then user experience consistency is improved, but resource allocation overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller performs preliminary actions by pre-selecting optimal service module locations and preparing resource allocation before actual service delivery. When a nomadic user requests a service, the controller has already identified suitable virtual residential gateways and can quickly instantiate service modules or select existing ones, thereby ensuring consistent user experience while minimizing the time required for resource allocation during active service delivery.
3Productivity
If centralized control is implemented through SDN controller, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller serves as an intermediary that centralizes resource allocation decisions without requiring complex distributed coordination protocols. It receives service requests, determines optimal resource allocation across the network, and manages service module instantiation and path configuration centrally, thereby improving resource allocation efficiency while containing control system complexity within a single management entity rather than distributing it across multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method of providing a nomadic service, the method including: i. sending, by a user, a nomadic service request to an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) server to determine whether the nomadic service request is allowed; ii. if the nomadic service request is allowed, then instantiating a service module for the nomadic service in a corresponding virtual Residential Gateway (vRG) platform, or selecting a corresponding service module in a residential gateway of the user, based upon the nomadic service, by a Software Defined Network (SDN) controller; and iii. determining and configuring, by the SDN controller, a network delivery path between the user and the service module based upon the path establishment request and a position of the service module. With the technical solution according to the invention, even a user who is not at home can be provided rapidly with a service subscribed through a residential gateway.