Event-Based SDN Profile Switching via Local Event Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software-defined network (SDN) technologies require time-consuming and cumbersome processes to switch between network operation profiles, often necessitating continuous SDN controller connectivity, which can disrupt network functionality and is prone to human error, especially in critical infrastructure like electric power distribution systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows networking devices to switch between predefined network operation profiles based on event windows, using precise time inputs and event detection subsystems, enabling independent operation without continuous SDN controller connectivity, and incorporating features like TTL (Time To Live) for packet management and baseline traffic analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous SDN controller connectivity is required to switch between network operation profiles, then network security and control can be maintained, but network functionality is disrupted and the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-loads multiple network operation profiles into the networking device memory before they are needed. When an event occurs triggering a profile switch, the device can immediately activate a pre-loaded profile without requiring real-time controller connectivity, thus maintaining network functionality while enabling rapid switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an event detection subsystem as an intermediary that locally monitors network conditions and automatically triggers profile switches based on predefined events. This intermediary enables autonomous profile switching at the networking device level without requiring continuous SDN controller intervention, reducing both disruption and human error
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual profile switching processes are used, then network operation profiles can be changed, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the networking device autonomously monitors for events through the event detection subsystem and automatically switches between pre-loaded profiles based on event conditions. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual intervention entirely, making the switching process instantaneous and error-free while maintaining high adaptability to different network conditions
3Extent of automation
If SDN controller connectivity is required for profile switching, then centralized control is maintained, but network functionality is disrupted during controller unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the profile switching functionality from the SDN controller by implementing local event detection and profile management capabilities within the networking device itself. This segmentation allows the device to autonomously handle profile switching based on local events, maintaining network operation reliability even when disconnected from the centralized controller
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads multiple network operation profiles into the networking device before controller disconnection occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the controller becomes unavailable, the device has ready-to-use profiles stored locally, enabling continuous autonomous operation without disruption to network functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A software-defined network controller (SDN controller) defines a first network flow to be selectively implemented by a networking device according to a first network operation profile. The SDN controller defines a second network flow to be selectively implemented by the networking device according to a second network operation profile. A memory device of the networking device may store at least first and second network operation profiles for selective implementation during defined event windows. The event window(s) may be defined by start event inputs and stop event inputs. The event inputs may include, without limitation, a combination of parameter-based inputs and/or temporal inputs. In one specific embodiment, the networking device detects a network event and modifies a network operation profile for a preset time period and/or until an interrupt or stop event is detected.