SDN Controller Dynamic Pathway Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks in wireless telecommunications providers face inefficiencies due to unmonitored reserve communication links and variability in performance across different pathways, leading to suboptimal data flow and service management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic management system that monitors and adjusts communication pathways using a Software Defined Network (SDN) controller to balance resource use and enhance efficiency, quality, and quantity of information flow by designating primary and alternate pathways based on performance metrics, and directing different types of traffic according to Quality of Service (QoS) requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple communication links are established for redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but network complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic link selection where the system continuously monitors performance metrics of multiple communication links and automatically designates the optimal link as primary. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to maintain reliability through multiple links while managing complexity through automated, performance-driven decision-making rather than static configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs performance monitoring that continuously collects data on link quality, latency, and other metrics. This feedback mechanism enables the network to identify underperforming links and switch to alternate paths when needed, maintaining reliability while using intelligence to manage the complexity of having multiple links.
2Productivity
If performance monitoring is applied to all communication links, then network optimization is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies performance monitoring selectively rather than uniformly to all links at all times. The system monitors links that are designated as primary or potential primary paths, while using historical data and performance thresholds to make switching decisions. This partial monitoring approach achieves network optimization without the full complexity and resource consumption of monitoring every link continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes monitoring parameters dynamically based on link status and performance. When a link is designated as primary, it receives intensive monitoring; when alternate, monitoring is reduced or threshold-based. This parameter adaptation allows optimization where needed while reducing complexity in less critical areas.
3Reliability
If primary tunnel performance is actively monitored, then service quality is improved, but costs and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary performance assessments of communication links to identify suitable primary candidates before designating them. By evaluating links in advance and establishing performance baselines, the system can proactively select optimal primary tunnels, improving service quality while avoiding the continuous high-cost monitoring of all links. The preliminary action creates a foundation for more efficient ongoing management.
Data Source
AI summary
In a network, communications between nodes in the network can be routed along different communication pathways. The network can include subnetworks provided and administered by third parties, and can include virtual private networks (VPNs), so that the different pathways can be or include VPN tunnels that pass through different subnetworks of the communications network. A central controller can monitor performance of the pathways, including those not in primary use, and dynamically adjust routing of communications traffic between the nodes by directing communication traffic to specific pathways or tunnels. The controller can direct different types of traffic (for example, data, voice) to particular pathways, and can direct traffic to different pathways based on direction of traffic flow (for example, uplink along one pathway and downlink along another pathway). Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) can be provided to enable the controller to request changes to pathways by sending configuring information for routers in those pathways.