SDN Flow Splitting for Adaptive Traffic Engineering
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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, leading to inefficiencies in traffic management.
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 across multiple pathways based on forwarding protocols like link-based, path-based, or source-based transport protocols, reducing overhead and processing burdens by directly notifying nodes of next-hops or updating forwarding information base tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional networks use static flow routing configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow routing by enabling network nodes to adaptively select between link-based, path-based, and source-based transport protocols based on real-time network conditions. The system dynamically adjusts flow splitting ratios and routing paths in response to traffic loading fluctuations and topology changes, transforming static configurations into adaptive, condition-responsive routing behavior that resolves the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control signaling mechanism as an intermediary between the network controller and data plane nodes. This intermediary carries flow splitting ratios, path identifiers, and protocol selection instructions, enabling centralized adaptive routing decisions to be transmitted to distributed network nodes without requiring complex local decision-making logic, thus maintaining device simplicity while achieving network-wide adaptability
2Device complexity
If source routing protocols are used, then device complexity is reduced, but overall network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing function into control plane (path computation, flow splitting ratio determination) and data plane (packet forwarding based on received instructions). By separating these functions, the data plane devices maintain low complexity while the control plane optimizes network-wide performance through intelligent path selection and dynamic flow splitting, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and network throughput
3Productivity
If non-source routing protocols are used, then overall network performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex routing decision-making logic from individual network devices and consolidates it in a centralized controller. The controller computes optimal paths, determines flow splitting ratios, and selects appropriate transport protocols, then transmits these decisions to network nodes via control signaling. This extraction eliminates the need for complex local routing algorithms at each device while achieving optimized network-wide performance
Data Source
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.