SDN Controller Automates PRP Host Discovery and Flow Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and configuring parallel redundancy protocol (PRP) in software-defined networks (SDNs) is complex due to the need for manual identification and configuration of PRP devices, which can lead to errors and increased burden in ensuring correct routing of redundant communications, especially in operational technology networks like electric power transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method that allows an SDN controller to discover and configure PRP devices, establish communication flows, and provide fault tolerance by using physically separate PRP networks with interconnection links, enabling the identification of PRP hosts and configuration of communication flows without user intervention, thereby simplifying the management of redundant paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification and configuration of PRP devices is used, then configuration flexibility and control are maintained, but configuration complexity and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller automatically discovers PRP devices and configures communication flows without manual intervention. The system performs self-configuration by detecting PRP hosts through ARP requests and autonomously establishing appropriate communication flows, eliminating manual configuration errors while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ARP request-response mechanisms to detect PRP devices and provides feedback to the SDN controller. This feedback loop enables automatic identification of PRP hosts and triggers appropriate configuration actions, ensuring accurate setup while reducing manual intervention requirements.
2Productivity
If automated discovery and configuration is implemented, then configuration time and effort are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller performs multiple functions including ARP request generation, PRP device detection, communication flow configuration, and network traffic management. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system achieves fast automated configuration without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary between network devices and management systems. It handles the complex automation tasks of PRP device discovery and configuration, shielding users from complexity while enabling rapid automated setup. The controller mediates between simple user actions and complex network configuration requirements.
3Reliability
If PRP communication flows are manually configured, then routing control is precise, but time consumption and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller performs preliminary detection of PRP devices using ARP requests before configuration is needed. By proactively identifying PRP hosts and pre-configuring communication flows, the system ensures accurate routing is ready in advance, eliminating time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining routing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects PRP devices and configures appropriate communication flows without human intervention. This self-configuration capability maintains routing accuracy by applying correct PRP-specific settings while dramatically reducing the time and effort required compared to manual configuration processes.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure pertains to identifying and configuring an in-band controller operating on a host in a software defined network (SDN), the host configured to use a parallel redundancy protocol (PRP). In one embodiment, a system may include a network in communication with the host, the network comprising a plurality of switches interconnected with a plurality of physical links. The in-band controller is in communication with the network and includes a PRP identification subsystem to generate a packet configured such that the network forwards the packet back to the in-band controller, to analyze the packet and determine that the packet conforms to PRP, and to identify a first communication host in communication with the network and configured to operate using PRP. A traffic routing subsystem of the in-band controller may create a plurality of PRP communication flows between the in-band controller and the first communication host.