SDN Look-up System Resource Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software-defined networks face challenges in configuring network elements to optimize resource utilization and ensure they are sufficiently resourced to run look-up systems, limiting their ability to provide desired functionalities and manage data flows efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for defining a look-up system in software-defined networks that involves maintaining data on look-up tables with resource consumption estimates, allowing for the selection of the most suitable look-up system based on these estimates to optimize resource usage and prevent under-resourcing, which includes using a controller system to compute and apply these estimates for network element configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a look-up system is configured in a network element without resource consumption estimates, then the network element can operate with basic functionality, but the resource utilization is not optimized and the network element may become under-resourced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by computing resource consumption estimates for different look-up table configurations before actually configuring the network element. The controller system evaluates multiple alternative configurations and selects the optimal one in advance, preventing resource under-allocation before it occurs. This is done by maintaining data on resource consumption estimates for each look-up table and using these estimates to make informed configuration decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using resource consumption estimates as feedback information to guide the configuration process. The controller system receives information about the network element's capabilities and the required look-up functionality, compares this with resource consumption estimates, and adjusts the configuration accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the selected look-up system configuration matches the network element's actual resource capacity.
2Reliability
If multiple alternative look-up systems are considered for configuration, then the optimal configuration can be selected, but the selection process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and maintaining resource consumption estimates for multiple alternative look-up table configurations. This allows the controller system to quickly evaluate different options without performing complex calculations during the actual configuration process. The estimates are prepared in advance and stored for rapid comparison and selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the configuration parameters of look-up tables (such as table size, hashing algorithms, and memory allocation) and evaluating their impact on resource consumption. By systematically changing these parameters and measuring their effect on resource usage, the system can compare different configurations and select the one that best balances functionality with resource utilization.
3Productivity
If resource consumption estimates are maintained for each look-up table, then adequate resources can be allocated, but the data management and processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a controller system that performs multiple functions: it maintains resource consumption estimates, evaluates alternative configurations, selects optimal configurations, and sends configuration data to network elements. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex processes into a single integrated system, reducing overall data management complexity while improving resource allocation efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for defining a look-up system having functionality suitable for a network element of a software-defined network "SDN" comprises maintaining (401) data specifying a set of look-up tables so that the look-up system is capable of being constructed in alternative ways using one or more look-up tables of the set of look-up tables and each of the look-up tables has a look-up table specific resource consumption estimate indicating a load factor of at least one component of the network element when running operations related to the look-up table. The method comprises selecting (402), on the basis of the look-up table specific resource consumption estimates, such one of the alternative ways of constructing the look-up system which provides a look-up system that is optimal, or at least suitable, for the network element.