SDN Service Chain Routing for Layer 7 Application Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Software Defined Networks (SDNs) are limited in providing services beyond Layer 2, 3, and 4, and there is a growing need to incorporate Layer 7 applications in service chains to enhance network functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual SDN architecture where one SDN is configurable to route data through a sequence of entities defining a service chain, including Layer 7 applications, allowing for higher logical layer services, and enabling the SDN to act as an entity in a service chain while routing data through additional service chains with Layer 7 applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SDN is configured to route data through Layer 7 applications in service chains, then network functionality and service capability are enhanced, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SDN architecture into multiple independent SDN controllers (first SDN controller, second SDN controller) that can be independently configured and managed. Each controller handles specific service chain routing tasks, allowing complex Layer 7 service chaining to be broken down into manageable segments that can be configured separately, thus reducing overall configuration complexity while maintaining enhanced network functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary SDN controllers that act as mediators between different network layers and service applications. These intermediary controllers facilitate communication and coordination between Layer 2-4 SDN services and Layer 7 applications, enabling enhanced functionality while abstracting the complexity through a standardized intermediary interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SDN service applications are configured in service chains, then service capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal SDN controller components that can handle multiple service chain configurations across different network layers. The controllers are designed with multi-functional capabilities to manage both traditional Layer 2-4 services and emerging Layer 7 applications through standardized interfaces, improving service capability while maintaining ease of operation through consistent universal procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary configuration templates and pre-defined service chain profiles that can be deployed automatically. Service applications and their routing configurations can be prepared in advance as standardized templates, reducing operational complexity when deploying complex multi-layer service chains by allowing operators to simply instantiate pre-configured templates rather than configuring each component individually
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed methods, apparatus, and computer programs relating to a Software Defined Network (SDN) for use in a communication network. The SDN acts as an entity in a first service chain of entities through which a data flow is routable by another SDN in the communication network. The first service chain comprises one or more service applications each for performing a service on data from the data flow at a logical layer in the communication network associated with that service application. The SDN routes data from the data flow received at the SDN through a second service chain comprising one or more SDN service applications. An SDN service application of the second service chain is for performing a service on data from the data flow at a higher logical layer within the communication network than is a service application of the first service chain.