Software-Defined Network Controller Service Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Internet infrastructure is rigid due to excessive coupling between the network control plane and data plane, making it difficult and costly to deploy new services, as administrators must manually configure each network device, leading to error-prone and complex service deployment processes.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined network service configuration method is introduced, comprising an application layer, control layer, and data layer, where the controller sends control messages to physical switches to inquire capabilities, select capable switches, and execute service installation, enabling centralized management and automatic policy configuration through a virtual network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If administrators manually configure each network device to deploy new services, then service deployment can be completed, but the process becomes extremely complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the service deployment system and network devices. The controller receives high-level service deployment requests, automatically generates low-level configuration commands, and distributes them to relevant network devices. This intermediary eliminates the need for administrators to manually configure each device, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining service deployment capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the Internet infrastructure maintains its traditional architecture, then existing networks continue to operate, but deploying new services becomes increasingly difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network system into two distinct planes: the data plane (forwarding plane) that handles packet forwarding, and the control plane that handles service deployment and configuration management. This segmentation allows the stable data plane infrastructure to remain unchanged while the flexible control plane enables easy service deployment through automated command generation and distribution.
3Reliability
If network devices make independent decisions on data flow, then each device operates autonomously, but the overall network becomes rigid and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from individual network devices and consolidates it into a centralized controller. Network devices retain their autonomous data forwarding capabilities (reliability), while the controller provides centralized service deployment and configuration management (adaptability). This extraction allows the network to evolve and deploy new services easily without compromising device operational independence.
Data Source
AI summary
Service deployment in the conventional network is very complicated. Operator needs to plan the service path in advance, and then manually configure the policy for each node on the service path. The software-definable network service configuration method disclosed in the present invention is different from the conventional network. On the one hand, the control layer has a global network resource view to more easily plan service paths for service requests. On the other hand, the control layer adopts a centralized management of physical switch nodes in the data layer via a southbound interface, which makes it easier to automatically implement policy configuration in physical switch nodes.