SDN Control Signaling for Dynamic Flow Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional networks struggle to dynamically adapt flow splitting protocols to changing conditions in next-generation packet transport networks, such as fluctuations in traffic loading and network topology changes, which limits their ability to fully leverage the benefits of flow splitting.
Innovation Solution
Software-defined network (SDN) control signaling is used to dynamically configure flow splitting protocols, allowing an SDN controller to instruct network nodes to split traffic flows between multiple pathways based on network characteristics and node capabilities, using link-based, path-based, or source-based forwarding protocols, and to update forwarding information base tables accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional networks use static flow splitting protocols, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary between the control plane and data plane. The controller dynamically determines flow splitting protocols and communicates them to network nodes via control signaling, allowing network-wide adaptability without requiring complex decision-making at each individual node. This resolves the contradiction by centralizing the complexity while maintaining simplicity at the network edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different flow splitting protocols (link-based, path-based, source-based) based on real-time network conditions such as traffic loading and topology changes. The SDN controller continuously monitors network state and updates forwarding information base tables at network nodes, enabling the network to adapt its behavior dynamically without increasing device complexity at the nodes themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If networks dynamically adapt flow splitting protocols to changing conditions, then adaptability improves, but control signaling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters communicated in control signaling from static configuration data to dynamic state information. The SDN controller sends updated flow splitting protocol selections and forwarding information base table entries based on current network conditions. This allows the system to achieve dynamic adaptability while keeping control signaling relatively simple by only transmitting essential parameter updates rather than complex policy descriptions.
3Productivity
If flow splitting is implemented across multiple pathways, then throughput rates improve, but routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing decision-making process into two parts: the SDN controller performs complex path computation and flow splitting protocol selection, while network nodes simply execute the predetermined forwarding rules in their forwarding information base tables. This segmentation allows multiple pathways to be utilized for increased throughput while keeping routing complexity at the nodes minimal, as nodes only need to follow controller-instructed paths rather than perform complex routing calculations themselves.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure provide techniques for dynamically configuring flow splitting via software defined network (SDN) signaling instructions. An SDN controller may instruct an ingress network node to split a traffic flow between two or more egress paths, and instruct the ingress network node, and perhaps downstream network nodes, to transport portions of the traffic flow in accordance with a forwarding protocol. In one example, the SDN controller instructs the network nodes to transport portions of the traffic flow in accordance with a link-based forwarding protocol. In other examples, the SDN controller instructs the network nodes to transport portions of the traffic flow in accordance with a path-based or source-based transport protocol.