SDN Controller On-Demand Network Resource Instantiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
End user requests for network resource instantiation in software-defined networks (SDNs) are typically handled manually by network operators, lacking automation and not allowing for immediate, precise improvements in network services, such as increased bandwidth or reduced latency, which are often needed for applications like gaming or multimedia streaming.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for end user on demand network resource instantiation, where a physical boost device interfaces directly with an SDN controller to dynamically change network configurations based on user requests, utilizing an analytics engine to generate network profiles and a business policy engine to enforce service terms, allowing for immediate improvements in network performance while billing the user accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual provisioning activity by network operators is used for end user requests, then network resource instantiation can be controlled and configured, but the process is time-consuming and lacks automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end users to autonomously request and provision network resources through a user interface without requiring manual intervention from network operators. The SDN controller automatically processes these self-service requests, transforming them into configuration instructions that are executed on the network infrastructure, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual provisioning while maintaining proper resource allocation and billing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures network resource templates and service profiles that can be quickly instantiated when users submit requests. By having resource configurations prepared in advance and stored in the SDN controller, the system can rapidly deploy network services without requiring time-consuming manual setup, thus reducing provisioning time while maintaining automation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network resources are dynamically allocated based on user demand, then network performance can be optimized for specific applications, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller serves as an intermediary between the network infrastructure and end users, abstracting the complexity of dynamic resource allocation. It receives simple user requests through a user interface, translates them into appropriate network configuration actions, and manages the dynamic allocation of resources. This intermediary approach enables high network service adaptability while keeping the user-facing system simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller implements a universal platform that handles multiple types of network resource provisioning and configuration through a single system. It can manage various network services, allocate different resource types, and enforce business policies across diverse applications, thereby achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity through modular, multi-functional design.
3Speed
If network configuration changes are made in real-time based on user requests, then network performance improvement is immediate, but control and policy enforcement become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the SDN controller continuously monitors network service usage, user requests, and configuration states. When real-time configuration changes are made in response to user demands, the feedback loop ensures that business policies are validated, enforced, and recorded. This feedback control maintains policy compliance and system reliability even as the network dynamically adapts to changing user requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The network configuration is designed to be dynamic, allowing real-time changes based on user requests while maintaining structured control through the SDN controller. The system can rapidly adjust network parameters such as bandwidth allocation and routing paths to improve performance immediately, while the controller ensures these dynamic changes adhere to predefined business policies and service level agreements, balancing speed with reliability.
4Ease of operation
If additional network resources are allocated on-demand, then user satisfaction and performance are improved, but network capacity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial resource allocation where users receive exactly the network capacity they request and need, rather than pre-allocating excessive resources. The SDN controller processes user requests for specific resource amounts and provisions only those quantities, enabling ease of operation for users while preventing unnecessary network capacity consumption. This partial action approach allows on-demand provisioning without wasteful over-provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes network resource parameters such as bandwidth allocation, latency requirements, and priority levels based on actual user demands and business policies. Rather than maintaining fixed high-capacity allocations, the SDN controller adjusts these parameters in real-time to match user needs, improving ease of operation while optimizing network capacity consumption by allocating resources only when and how they are actually used.
Data Source
AI summary
End user on demand network resource instantiation in software-defined networks (SDN) may be provided by an SDN controller that receives an indication from a physical boost device operated by a network user. The boost device may indicate to the SDN controller that an improvement in network performance is desired by the network user. Once the indication is received, the SDN controller may implement network configuration changes for the improvement and cause the network user to be billed for the improvement.