SDN Controller Dynamic Tunnel Split Merge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunnel split/merge approaches in MPLS networks with TE are inefficient due to static threshold parameters, leading to unnecessary splits or premature merges, which can result in traffic loss or suboptimal routing, and require manual configuration that is time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A centralized Software Defined Network (SDN) controller dynamically adjusts tunnel split/merge thresholds based on real-time network capacity and traffic conditions, using global optimization algorithms to determine whether splitting or merging tunnels is beneficial, and re-directs traffic to minimize latency and maximize network utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static threshold parameters are used for tunnel split/merge decisions, then the configuration is simple and manual setup is required, but unnecessary splits or premature merges occur leading to traffic loss or suboptimal routing
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized controller is introduced as an intermediary between network elements and tunnel management. The controller receives traffic data from network elements, performs global optimization analysis, and generates split/merge decisions. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing intelligent control without requiring complex local decision-making at each network element.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes threshold parameters based on real-time network conditions rather than using static thresholds. The centralized controller adjusts split/merge thresholds adaptively according to current traffic patterns and network state, eliminating unnecessary splits and premature merges while maintaining routing optimality.
2Quantity of substance
If manual configuration of additional tunnels is performed, then tunnel capacity can be increased, but it requires extra time and is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service tunnel management where the centralized controller automatically performs tunnel split/merge operations based on real-time traffic data. Network elements self-report their traffic conditions, and the controller autonomously generates and implements configuration decisions, eliminating manual intervention and reducing configuration time and errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized controller performs preliminary analysis of traffic data and proactively generates tunnel split/merge configurations before traffic loss occurs. By anticipating capacity needs and pre-configuring appropriate tunnel structures, the system avoids reactive manual intervention and ensures capacity is available when needed.
3Quantity of substance
If too many parallel tunnels are created due to excessive splits, then the limit on number of parallel tunnels is exceeded, but network capacity is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic tunnel management where the number and structure of parallel tunnels adapt continuously based on real-time traffic conditions. The centralized controller monitors traffic patterns and dynamically adjusts tunnel configurations, creating additional tunnels only when genuinely needed and merging them when traffic decreases, thus optimizing capacity utilization without exceeding operational limits.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining node data identifying for a network a source node, a destination node and a plurality of other nodes; obtaining reference path data identifying a reference path from the source node to the destination node; obtaining alternate path data identifying a plurality of alternate paths from the source node to the destination node, setting for the reference path a possible split threshold identifying a traffic bandwidth which can trigger a re-direction of traffic from the reference path; determining whether a current traffic flow on the reference path meets the possible split threshold, resulting in a first determination; responsive to the first determination, obtaining, subsequent to the setting for the reference path of the possible split threshold, current alternate path data for each of the plurality of alternate paths, wherein the current alternate path data comprises for each of the alternate paths a respective current alternate path bandwidth availability; responsive to the obtaining of the current alternate path data, determining whether a particular one of the plurality of alternate paths can support carrying of at least some of the current traffic flow on the reference path, resulting in a second determination, wherein the second determination is based at least in part upon the current alternate path bandwidth availability of each of the plurality of alternate paths; and responsive to the second determination, re-directing a portion of the current traffic flow from the reference path to the particular one of the alterative paths. Other embodiments are disclosed.