SDN Controller Link Status via SBC Application Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software Defined Networking (SDN) controllers face limitations in determining the most recent status of links and optimizing routing paths due to limited checks and audits, which affects the determination of optimum routing paths through the network.
Innovation Solution
The use of application-level metrics, such as packet loss, jitter, and Mean Opinion Score (MOS), collected by devices like Session Border Controllers, to determine the status of communications paths and optimize routing in SDN networks, allowing for more efficient and optimal path selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If SDN controller performs limited checks and audits to determine link status, then the controller can maintain simple operation, but the measurement precision and reliability of link status determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary devices (end devices, network elements) that actively participate in link status determination by performing measurements and reporting results to the SDN controller. These intermediaries act as mediators between the controller and the network links, enabling more precise status determination without increasing controller complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where measurement results from network elements and end devices are continuously reported back to the SDN controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to maintain accurate link status information through periodic updates from distributed measurement points throughout the network.
2Device complexity
If SDN controller uses limited checks and audits, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of determining current link status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link status determination function across multiple network elements and end devices rather than concentrating all measurement capabilities in the SDN controller. Each network element performs localized measurements and reports to the controller, distributing the complexity while improving overall reliability through multiple independent measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes network elements and end devices multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their primary network functions and link status measurement functions. This universality allows the system to gather comprehensive status information from existing network infrastructure without adding dedicated measurement devices, maintaining low overall complexity while improving reliability.
3Productivity
If SDN controller performs comprehensive checks to determine optimum routing paths, then the routing optimization improves, but the loss of time for status determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having network elements and end devices continuously perform measurements and maintain ready-to-report status information before the SDN controller needs to make routing decisions. This advance preparation ensures that when path optimization is required, the controller receives pre-collected data immediately, reducing decision-making time while maintaining comprehensive analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous collection and reporting of link status information from distributed measurement points throughout the network. This continuous data flow provides the SDN controller with up-to-date information for routing decisions without requiring periodic comprehensive sweeps, enabling rapid path optimization based on continuously available status data.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to communications methods, apparatus and systems for determining and using Software Defined Networking (SDN) communications link and path status information. An exemplary embodiment of a method of operating a Session Border Controller (SBC) in a software defined network (SDN) includes: determining application level metrics at a SBC for a data communications flow and transmitting the application level metrics to a SDN controller. An exemplary embodiment of a method of operating a software defined networking (SDN) controller in a software defined network includes the steps of receiving, at a receiver of the SDN controller via the software defined network, application level metrics corresponding to a data communications session flow; and determining, by the SDN controller, the status of a communications path between two Internet Protocol addresses based on the received application level metrics. Exemplary apparatus embodiments include an SDN controller and SBC controller implementing the exemplary methods.