SDN Controller Orchestration for Dynamic Data Center Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center interconnections (DCIs) with static wide area network (WAN) optical connections are inefficient due to underutilization and inability to dynamically allocate bandwidth for fluctuating traffic demands, making it difficult to migrate workloads or handle faults effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an SDN controller orchestration and network virtualization mechanism that allows for dynamic creation of virtual networks between data centers, using a network provider controller to compute and abstract network paths based on traffic characteristics and abstraction granularity levels, enabling flexible and scalable transport networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-allocated static WAN optical connections are used for data center interconnection, then network capacity is guaranteed for peak data rates, but bandwidth utilization is low due to underutilization during fluctuating traffic demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation in SDN controllers that can adjust network capacity in real-time based on actual traffic demands. The controllers compute optimal paths and allocate bandwidth dynamically, transitioning from static pre-allocated connections to adaptive dynamic connections that expand or contract capacity according to fluctuating traffic patterns, thereby improving utilization while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of bandwidth allocation from fixed static values to dynamic adjustable values. The SDN controllers monitor traffic conditions and modify bandwidth allocation parameters continuously, allowing the network to adapt capacity to actual demands, thus resolving the contradiction between guaranteeing peak capacity and avoiding underutilization during low-demand periods.
2Ease of manufacture
If static data center interconnection design is used, then network infrastructure is simple to implement, but dynamic allocation of new applications to candidate data center sites with bandwidth adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SDN controllers as intermediary components between the physical network infrastructure and application workloads. These controllers provide the intelligence needed for dynamic application allocation and bandwidth adjustment without requiring changes to the underlying simple network infrastructure. The controllers act as mediators that enable complex dynamic behaviors while keeping the base infrastructure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a software control dimension to the traditional network architecture. By introducing SDN controllers that operate in a software layer above the physical infrastructure, the system gains dynamic allocation capabilities without complicating the hardware layer. This dimensional addition allows dynamic application placement and bandwidth adjustment while maintaining infrastructure simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If workload migration between data centers is performed using static interconnections, then network setup is straightforward, but efficient on-the-fly migration for load balancing or fault recovery cannot be accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary path computation and resource reservation in SDN controllers before workload migration is needed. The controllers pre-calculate optimal migration paths and reserve necessary bandwidth resources, so when workload migration is required for load balancing or fault recovery, the process can execute efficiently without ad-hoc setup delays, thus improving migration productivity while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where SDN controllers continuously monitor network conditions, workload performance, and data center status. This feedback enables automatic triggering of workload migration when load balancing or fault recovery is needed, with the controllers dynamically adjusting migration timing and paths based on real-time conditions, thereby improving migration efficiency without complicating network setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A data center interconnection (DCI) network may comprise a data center controller (DCC) managing a plurality of data centers (DCs) interconnected by a provider network managed by a network provider controller (NPC). The provider network may be an OpenFlow based software defined networking (SDN) transport network. The DCC may initiate a virtual network service (VNS) negotiation with the NPC to connect the DCs and may specify a network abstraction granularity level. The NPC may respond by computing paths through the provider network accordingly and providing the DCC with one or more virtual networks (VNs). The DCC may compute virtual paths through the VNs and send virtual network element (VNE) connection setup commands to the DCC. The DCC may convert the VNE connection setup commands into network element (NE) commands to setup connections in NEs of the provider network. The DCC and the NPC may perform fault monitoring, detection, and recovery.