SDN Controller Path Pre-configuration for Stream Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Software Defined Network (SDN) controllers face inefficiencies in data stream transmission path adjustments due to the need for extensive recalculating and reconfiguring routes when network paths change, leading to prolonged adjustment times and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
The SDN controller determines and pre-configures multiple paths for data stream transmission between network devices using Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) identifiers, delivering forwarding information in advance to reduce the need for subsequent path adjustments and optimize resource usage, allowing for real-time monitoring and reselection of optimal paths based on predefined rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the SDN controller delivers a route to each network device on the path through which the data stream passes, then the data stream transmission can be implemented, but the path adjustment period becomes excessively long when the path changes
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller performs pre-calculations and pre-arrangements of multiple possible paths in advance before path changes occur. When a path change is needed, the controller can immediately switch to a pre-calculated alternative path without performing extensive recalculations, thus reducing the path adjustment period while ensuring reliable data stream transmission
2Adaptability or versatility
If the SDN controller reselects a new path and delivers a route to each network device on the selected new path, then the data stream can follow the new path, but the resource consumption increases during path adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The controller pre-calculates and stores multiple alternative paths along with their routing information in advance. When path reselection is needed, the controller can directly select from pre-computed paths and deliver only the necessary routing updates to affected network devices, avoiding the need to recalculate entire routes and reducing control message overhead, thus lowering resource consumption while maintaining adaptability
3Productivity
If multiple paths are pre-configured for data stream transmission, then path adjustment efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary that centralizes the complexity of managing multiple pre-configured paths. Network devices only need to execute simple forwarding rules provided by the controller, while the controller handles the complex tasks of path calculation, selection, and coordination. This separation of control plane and data plane functions enhances path adjustment efficiency without significantly increasing the complexity of individual network devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A Software Defined Network, SDN, controller determines a plurality of paths for transmitting a data stream of a specified service from a first network device to a second network device; the SDN controller assigns to each of the plurality of paths a path identifier, where the path identifier assigned to each path is uniquely corresponding to the path and the specified service; with regard to each path of the plurality of paths, the SDN controller delivers forwarding information to a network device other than the second network device on the path, where the forwarding information is configured to instruct forwarding a data stream carrying the path identifier of the path to a next hop on the path of a network device receiving the forwarding information; the SDN controller selects a path from the plurality of paths according to a preset rule and transmits a path identifier of the selected path to the first network device, so that the first network device adds the path identifier of the selected path to the data stream of the specified service.