SDN Controller LAG Management via Logical Port Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current OpenFlow specifications lack clear support and definition for link aggregation groups (LAGs) in software-defined networks (SDNs), representing LAGs only as logical ports without explicit management mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a software-defined network (SDN) controller that receives port addition and removal indications, derives and maintains a logical index for logical ports, and sends status and speed change notifications to manage LAGs effectively, using OpenFlow standards to configure and manage LAGs on switching devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LAG is represented only as logical ports in current OpenFlow specification, then the specification remains simple and uncluttered, but clear LAG support and explicit management mechanisms are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments LAG management into distinct components: LAG configuration messages for creation/modification/deletion, logical port index for tracking, and individual logical port representations. This segmentation allows clear LAG support while maintaining specification organization and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary logical port index that mediates between the SDN controller and multiple logical ports representing LAG members. This index provides explicit management mechanisms without cluttering the core OpenFlow specification, enabling versatile LAG management while preserving specification simplicity.
2Productivity
If multiple LAG member ports are aggregated into a single logical port, then bandwidth and connectivity are improved, but tracking and managing individual LAG members becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the SDN controller receives status information about logical ports and LAG members, and can send configuration messages to modify LAG composition. This feedback loop enables automated tracking and management of LAG members, reducing the complexity of managing aggregated ports while maintaining high network bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of LAG member information through the logical port index, which maintains tracking data for each physical port within the LAG. This copying approach allows the system to manage aggregated bandwidth while simplifying member tracking, as the index provides a centralized view without requiring complex distributed tracking across multiple ports.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LAG configuration changes are made dynamically, then network adaptability and responsiveness are improved, but configuration consistency and error prevention become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires preliminary action through explicit LAG configuration messages that must be sent from the SDN controller before any LAG modifications occur. These messages pre-define the LAG composition and parameters, ensuring configuration consistency before dynamic changes are applied. This preliminary configuration step prevents errors by establishing a known-good state before dynamic adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the SDN controller receives acknowledgments and status updates about LAG configuration changes. This feedback allows the controller to verify configuration consistency after dynamic changes, prevent conflicting modifications, and maintain reliable LAG management while preserving configuration flexibility. The feedback loop ensures that dynamic changes do not compromise system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system includes a software-defined network (SDN) controller including a processor and logic executable by the processor. The logic is executable by the processor to receive a port addition indication that a logical port is configured on a switching device, the switching device being coupled to the SDN controller and a second device, with the logical port representing a link aggregation group (LAG) that includes at least two links between the switching device and the second device. The logic is also executable by the processor to derive and maintain a logical index for all logical ports in software-defined switching devices connected to the SDN controller based on logical port identifiers thereof. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in accordance with more embodiments.