SDN Controller Load Balancing via Automatic Switch Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In software-defined networks (SDNs), the unbalanced load amongst network controllers can lead to performance degradation as the number of switches managed by each controller grows indefinitely, necessitating improved load balancing techniques for switches in a cluster of controllers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatic load balancing in SDNs, where a network controlling device with a processor and memory receives connection requests from switches, determines if it can establish a connection based on a load balancing policy, and redirects the connection to another network controlling device if overloaded, using a load balancer to manage SSL connections, CPU utilization, and bandwidth, and communicates this decision via an open flow message.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more switches are added to a controller, then the network coverage and management capability are improved, but the load on the controller increases indefinitely leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the controller cluster into multiple groups and segments the switch connection requests across different controllers based on load conditions. Each controller manages a subset of switches rather than all switches, preventing any single controller from becoming overloaded while maintaining comprehensive network coverage through the collective capacity of the controller cluster.
2Productivity
If load balancing is implemented across controllers, then controller performance is improved, but the complexity of connection management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancing mechanism operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. Controllers automatically monitor their own load conditions and independently make decisions about accepting or rejecting connection requests based on predefined policies. This self-service approach maintains performance optimization while minimizing the operational complexity for network administrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where controllers monitor their load status and adjust their connection acceptance behavior accordingly. When a controller detects high load conditions, it automatically redirects new connections to less loaded controllers. This feedback-driven approach dynamically optimizes performance without requiring complex centralized management.
3Productivity
If connection requests are redirected to other controllers, then load distribution is improved, but the response time for connection establishment may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Controllers pre-establish knowledge about the load status and capabilities of other controllers in the cluster. This preliminary information is cached and updated periodically, enabling rapid decision-making when connection requests arrive. When load redistribution is needed, controllers can immediately identify suitable target controllers without extensive real-time probing, thus minimizing connection establishment delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for automatic load balancing of switches in a cluster of controllers in SDNs. According to an aspect, the system comprises a network controlling device comprising at least one processor and memory. The network controlling device of the system is configured to receive a request to establish a connection from a switch residing in a switch network. The network controlling device of the system is also configured to determine whether a connection may be established between the switch and the network controlling device based on a load balancing policy for the network controlling device. The network controlling device of the system is also configured to determine another network controlling device residing in the switch network for establishment of the connection with the switch in response to determining the connection may not be established with the network controlling device.