SDN Network Element Entity-Specific Capability Descriptors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current software-defined networking (SDN) technologies face challenges in configuring network elements to optimize the utilization of resources and enable different functional entities, such as line interface modules, to perform required tasks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controller in an SDN transmits entity-specific capability descriptors to network elements, allowing these elements to allocate configuration data based on entity-identifiers, enabling each functional entity to be configured individually according to its capabilities and resources, and forming configuration data that includes operations and limitations related to look-up tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a controller configures network elements using traditional SDN methods, then centralized control is achieved, but resource utilization optimization and functional entity customization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network element into multiple functional entities (ingress functional entities, egress functional entities, intermediate functional entities) and allows independent configuration of each entity through entity-specific capability descriptors. This enables customized configuration of individual functional entities while maintaining centralized control through the controller, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by breaking down the configuration task into manageable entity-level units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different functional entities within the same network element to have different capability descriptors and configuration parameters. Each functional entity can be optimized independently based on its specific role and requirements, enabling localized customization without affecting the entire network element or increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If network elements use fixed configuration structures, then implementation is simpler, but resource utilization cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration structures where capability descriptors and configuration parameters can be adjusted based on actual resource utilization needs. The controller can dynamically allocate resources and modify configuration parameters for different functional entities, enabling optimized resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through automated controller management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing configuration parameters to be modified based on resource utilization requirements. Different functional entities can have different parameter sets (capability descriptors) that are optimized for their specific functions, enabling improved productivity without requiring complex manual configuration through automated parameter management by the controller.
3Reliability
If all functional entities are configured uniformly, then configuration is easier, but individual entity capabilities cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process into entity-specific units with dedicated capability descriptors for each functional entity. This allows individual optimization of each entity's configuration while maintaining ease of operation through standardized descriptor formats and automated controller management, resolving the contradiction between reliability through optimization and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized capability descriptor framework that can be applied to different types of functional entities. This universal descriptor structure enables individual entity optimization while maintaining configuration simplicity through consistent formatting and automated processing, allowing the same configuration mechanism to serve multiple different functional entities.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A network element of a software-defined network comprises functional entities (321-325) capable of transferring data between each other and providing connections to other network elements. One or more of the functional entities are configurable with configuration data received from a controller of the software-defined network. The network element is adapted to transmit, to the controller, entity-specific capability descriptors related to the functional entities configurable with the configuration data. Each entity-specific capability descriptor expresses operations capable of being carried out by the respective functional entity. As the controller is made aware of the capabilities of the functional entities, the goal of the software-defined networking to provide controlled management of the data-forwarding functionality of a network element as a whole can be extended to the functional entities, e.g. line interface modules, so that each functional entity can be configured individually in accordance with the capabilities and resources of the functional entity.